KUALA LUMPUR – The Court of Appeal had earlier this year granted a stay of execution against any enforcement or eviction towards 204 durian-growers in Raub, Pahang, but that is not enough to prevent police from setting up roadblocks at their farms.
According to the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka), enforcement authorities had set up blockades at the entrances and exits of their durian farms in Tras at 9am today.
Ten vehicles from the Pahang Forestry Department and a Federal Reserve Unit escort are involved in the roadblocks, preventing the farmers from collecting produce at their farms.
At the scene was Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui and Samka president Wilson Chang, who questioned the actions of the police force.
Samka in a press statement said police claimed that they are following instructions from higher-ups.
Present was a government official named Saifullah, who argued that the authorities are not conducting their operations in the restricted areas as stipulated by the Court of Appeal, the statement added.
“Today’s operation was (on the instruction of) the Pahang menteri besar, and the officer-in-charge argued that he has no authority to call off the enforcement.
“The negotiation between the two sides entered into a deadlock.
“Chang led the durian farmers to lodge a report against the state government for disregarding the court order.”
Based on the press statement, it is understood that these blockades are implemented in the entire Tras district, and involves six major durian farms – Sg Chalit, Sg Chetang, Sg Klau, Sg Ruan, Tras and Sang Lee.
Last year, 204 durian farmers challenged eviction notices at the Kuantan High Court via a judicial review, but their applications were dismissed on December 23.
They challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, and were granted a stay of execution on January 5.
The court order specifically stated that the authorities are not allowed to evict or prevent the applicants from entering their farms. – The Vibes, July 3, 2021
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