Controversy Erupts as Mao Shan Wang Durian Plantation Faces Chopping; Farmers Protest Pahang Government's Enforcement Action

After the Pahang government denied violating court orders by cutting down Mao Shan Wang durian trees, hundreds of durian farmers today held placards to express strong displeasure with the Pahang enforcement unit (UPNP) and demanded the Pahang government address their grievances.

The farmers gathered early at the café beside Sungai Koyan Square to attend an emergency briefing hosted by the “Save Mao Shan Wang Alliance” and prepared to head to the enforcement site to submit their request. However, just as they were about to set off, they coincidentally encountered a large number of enforcement officers.

Raub Member of Parliament, Chow Yu Hui, and Alliance Chairperson, Cheng E Ching, immediately stepped forward to negotiate and requested that the enforcement team cease the tree-felling activities immediately.

Chow Yu Hui emphasized that the Court of Appeal had already issued a clear order on May 28, 2023, stating that neither party should cut down trees or damage buildings within the plantation during the appeal process. Despite a new judgment issued in July last year, the court had not revoked the original order, and the state government should not arbitrarily interpret the ruling. Continuing enforcement actions may constitute contempt of court.

However, during the negotiations, the atmosphere on-site remained peaceful, and no conflicts occurred. Meanwhile, the sound of chainsaws from Koyan Mountain was concerning for the farmers.

Chow Yu Hui subsequently led a group of farmers to head to the enforcement site on Koyan Mountain to once again demand the relevant units to cease operations immediately and to await negotiations between the farmers and the state government. The police responded, indicating that they were acting under superior orders and recommended Chow Yu Hui to liaise with the state government.

Chow Yu Hui expressed that the farmers in Raub would continue to resist to prevent further abuse and heavy-handed actions by the enforcement units. He also called on the people of Raub to unite in preventing future enforcement actions.

According to him, the continuous enforcement actions have resulted in the cutting down of approximately 500 durian trees, including precious old Mao Shan Wang trees.