THE Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) has claimed that 18 durian farmers have had their statements recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) today despite the graft-busters denying they have summoned farmers in Raub, Pahang, for allegedly running illegal farms.

In a statement, Samka said the balance from the 30 present at the MACC office today will have their questioning continued tomorrow or Thursday.

“Due to the lengthy questioning session, up to 6.30pm today, MACC only recorded the statement of 18 farmers.

“The remaining will attend MACC Raub to give their statement tomorrow or on Thursday,” the group said. 

Samka said the farmers are represented by Samantha Chong Yin Xin, Chan Yen Hui and Rajsurian Pillai.

Earlier today, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki denied that unlicensed farmers would be summoned to the MACC.

However, he said investigations have been opened by Pahang MACC on alleged abuse of power in the land encroachments.

Samka refuted the claims and said that MACC should stop calling the farmers immediately if there was a communication breakdown. 

Despite that, Samka said both durian farmers and the MACC officers gave their full cooperation during the entire process.

Yesterday, Samka said some 50 unlicensed durian farmers were contacted by MACC officers to have their statements recorded. 

Samka is currently locked in a dispute with the state government, which had awarded the lease and rights to 2,168ha of land in Raub for 30 years, with an option for another 30, to joint venture company Royal Pahang Durian.

Royal Pahang Durian is a joint venture between Royal Pahang Durian Resources (RPDR) and the state government’s Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Pahang (PKPP).

The firm was set up to purportedly curb encroachment on state land for the cultivation of durians.

The state said the durian farmers do not have permits, and that a contract with the state-appointed middleman is a way to legalise their operations.

Samka said the deal was lopsided and that farmers were coerced to sign.

The farmers, whose orchards are in Kg Sg Ruan, Sg Chalit and Sg Klau, have been granted an injunction to stay an eviction notice issued by the state.

However, the state-backed consortium has said that the durian growers stand to make a handsome profit from its proposal to pay them RM30 per kg for the musang king grade A fruit. – September 15, 2020.