Malaysia’s Pahang Sultan Demands Strict Action Against Land Encroachment After 1,000 Durian Trees Destroyed

Calls for Consistent Enforcement Against Land Encroachment in Pahang

Malaysia’s Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah has emphasized the need for consistent and firm enforcement to tackle land encroachment in his state of Pahang. This call comes after authorities removed over 1,000 durian trees earlier this year, sparking debate and concern among local communities.

At a meeting with the leadership of the Malaysian Women Journalists Association, the Sultan stressed that enforcement against encroachment should not be seasonal or sporadic. Instead, it must be carried out consistently to prevent any individual or group from exploiting the state’s natural resources. He also highlighted that all actions must align with the law, ensuring that those who violate regulations face strict consequences to deter similar incidents.

Despite acknowledging the efforts of the state government, the Sultan expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of enforcement. He noted that Pahang’s vast forests require continuous monitoring and adequate manpower to detect and address encroachment effectively. Additionally, he urged the government to increase public awareness and encourage citizens to report any illegal activities they encounter.

The Scale of Land Encroachment in Pahang

The issue of land encroachment has been a growing concern for the Sultan, who previously described the situation as one that “makes my blood boil.” In April, he revealed that nearly 14,500 hectares of government land had been illegally occupied and used for planting crops such as oil palm, rubber, and durian. Over 5,900 hectares of permanent forest reserves were also affected, which the Sultan referred to as a “blatant theft of public resources.”

This alarming situation prompted the Pahang government to launch “Op Sekat 3.0,” a targeted enforcement operation aimed at curbing illegal land use in Raub district. Known as Malaysia’s durian capital and nicknamed “Musang King Durian Town,” Raub is home to around 150,000 durian trees spread across 2,000 hectares of state-owned land.

The operation, which ran from April 8 to May 3, resulted in the felling of more than 1,000 durian trees, many of which were the highly valued Musang King variety. This move drew criticism from farmers, who staged protests by blocking access roads and displaying banners expressing their anger over the clearing of crops they claimed to have cultivated for years.

Public Reactions and Legal Disputes

The Save Musang King Alliance, representing the affected farmers, argued that a court decision issued in May barred the government from destroying their orchards. However, authorities maintained that they had not violated any court orders and insisted they were within their rights to reclaim and clear the land.

While some criticized the crackdown, the operation received support from local non-governmental organizations and residents who viewed the long-standing issue of land encroachment as a serious problem requiring urgent attention.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been investigating the matter and stated in May that it was tracing witnesses dating back to 2004 and gathering related documents and testimonies. The agency had previously compiled a list of individuals linked to the Pahang land dispute, including multiple former officials.

The MACC’s chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, mentioned that the commission was considering investigating the issue under laws addressing the dishonest use of property. He noted that the investigation would cover both criminal elements and governance issues, including corruption involving enforcement officers suspected of receiving bribes.

Economic Significance of Durian in Malaysia

Durian plays a significant role in Malaysia’s economy. According to data from global trade provider TradeImeX, the country exported over 27,000 tonnes of durian in 2023, generating US$44.49 million in export revenue. The export volume surged last year after Malaysia secured an agreement with Beijing to allow the export of fresh durians to China, which had previously been limited to frozen ones. This development highlights the importance of protecting the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable practices to maintain economic growth.