A COMPANY appointed by Pahang has “taken over” land used by musang king durian farmers in Raub by imposing costly levies and restricting farmers’ entry to the land, said Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui.

The DAP rep said farmers in the area have formed the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) to protest against a contract they claim they were forced to sign with Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd.

The contract includes an RM6,000 levy per 0.4ha for this year and selling grade A musang king at fixed rate of RM30 per kg to the company only for 2020 and 2021.

This is significantly lower than the average market price of RM45 per kg, while the levy imposed will mean a farmer with 4ha will have to pay rent of RM60,000 a year, Chow said in a statement today.

“Such an exorbitant levy clearly reflects the private corporation’s greed for profits as the current levy for durian farms imposed by the Pahang government stands at about RM50 per 0.4ha.

“How could it be reasonable to have a private corporation seizing all durian farms for itself and collecting an exorbitant levy from the farmers?”

The contract is to “legalise the land”, he said.

Pahang awarded the contract on June 24 to lease and use more than 2,100ha in Raub planted with durian. 

The New Straits Times reported that the appointment is a way to stop unregulated land clearing and encroachment on forest reserves to expand durian orchards.

But Chow said the accusation that farmers are illegally occupying the land is misleading.

“They have been constantly applying for land titles and licences from the relevant authorities through propel channels.”

Besides the contract, Samka members are also complaining that farmers need an entry permit from the company to access their own farms.

Samka has appointed lawyers and plans to seek an injunction to stop the company and state government from taking any action against the farmers. – August 20, 2020.