MEMBER of Parliament for Raub Chow Yu Hui, and Chairperson of the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka), Wilson Chang, have been released on police bail following their detention on Monday in connection with a protest supporting durian farmers.
MP states that their arrest was made in defence of the voices of durian farmers in Raub, urging the Pahang state government to halt ongoing tree-felling operations.
"The farmers have long been willing to cooperate with the state government," he said in a statement on Tuesday. For the past five to six decades, they have made consistent efforts to apply for land titles and temporary cultivation permits."
He emphasised that even in the presence of large corporate interests, the farmers were open to discussions as long as they were treated fairly.
"As long as farmers are treated with fairness, we are prepared to negotiate and collaborate," Sinar Harian quoted him saying.
Yu Hui, who also serves as an advisor to Samka, warned that continued aggressive action by the government or any consortium focused solely on profit would render cooperation meaningless.
"If the government or any consortium continues to take a hardline approach that prioritises durian profits while neglecting the rights of farmers, then any form of cooperation would be pointless."
"Therefore, I urge all parties to return to the negotiating table with the interests of the farmers as the top priority," he added.
Wilson Chang, meanwhile, affirmed that they had fully cooperated with the investigation process.
However, he expressed disappointment at the durian tree clearings that are still ongoing.
"We farmers follow the law, but there are parties openly violating court orders, continuing to fell trees and destroy the hard work of the farmers."
"This is truly heartbreaking. We have always been open to dialogue and willing to cooperate with the government, but it must be based on justice and mutual respect," he said.
On Monday, Yu Hui and Wilson were detained at the Raub District Police Headquarters to assist in an investigation under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which pertains to obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duties.
The enforcement operations against durian orchards in Raub have sparked public backlash in recent weeks, with farmers accusing authorities of destroying their crops.
The Pahang state government has denied any breach of a court order after around 200 Musang King durian trees were felled in Sungai Klau, Raub, on 8 April.
The operation, which involved the police and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit (UPNP), targeted orchards reportedly cultivated without authorisation and is expected to continue until 3 May. – April 15, 2025
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