THE Royal Malaysian Police must explain the presence of its officers and military personal at durian farms in Sungai Chalit, Raub, on Tuesday, said the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka).

Samka, comprising durian farmers without permits in Raub, said that the police’s admission that its officers and military personnel were involved has raised more questions than provided answers.

The group claimed the uniformed personnel, who did not wear name tags, were helping the company Royal Pahang Durian police the area.

“Why did the police turn up at the scene and help Royal Pahang Durian to enforce the law? The company is not the landlord (of the farms) and never owned the land before,” said Samka in a statement today.

Samka was referred to Pahang Police Chief Abdul Jalil Hassan’s confirmation that police had been involved at the Sg Chalit durian farms, questioning the police’s involvement in what was considered a private issue.

Samka is currently in a dispute with Royal Pahang Durian over the terms of a contract offered by the company to legalise land durian farmers have planted on for decades without permits.

The group questioned why police had escorted five four-wheel-drive vehicles, which did to have any licence plates or road tax into the area.

Samka said the police must explain its actions to the public.

Last year, the Pahang state government ordered the farmers to vacate their farms in various areas in Raub, including in Sg Ruan, Sg Chalit, Sg Klau, measuring about 2,167ha.

A recent joint venture deal between the company Royal Pahang Durian and the state government had upset durian farmers in Raub, who claimed that the deal would result in small-scale farmers incurring losses.

Samka said 130 farmers in the area have lodged reports at the Sg Suan police station as they were concerned that police are abusing their power to protect the interest of the company by oppressing farmers. – January 7, 2021.