Trees estimated to be between eight and nine years old have been found on a Musang King durian farm in Raub, according to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki.
“Some farmers claim they began planting the trees in 1974. If true, the trees would be about 40 to 50 years old now. But we found trees only about eight or nine years old.
“This indicates that there was fresh land encroachment, which the state government had taken into consideration,” he told reporters here today.
An enforcement operation at an allegedly illegal durian farm in Raub previously sparked widespread reactions after farmers expressed dissatisfaction over the destruction of their crops.
The Pahang government later denied violating a court order in felling around 200 Musang King durian trees during the enforcement operation in Sungai Klau, Raub.
On April 22, Azam said MACC would investigate the Raub land encroachment case, focussing on governance issues and allegations of corruption involving the state’s land and mines department.
Today, Azam reiterated that MACC was determined to uncover how the illegal encroachment went undetected for so long.
He said those responsible would be called in for questioning, and that a list of people had already been drawn up.
“No one has been arrested so far, but thorough investigations are being carried out,” he said.
On April 14, Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah emphasised that state land must not be arbitrarily encroached upon, and called for firm action against those involved.
He also called for an amicable resolution, with all shortcomings addressed in a harmonious manner.
