Durian orchards: Pahang Forestry Dept to cooperate with MACC

 

The Pahang Forestry Department is ready to fully cooperate with the MACC in any investigation over allegations of leakages in the issue of forest reserves being turned into Musang King durian orchards in Raub.

Its director, Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin, said the issue involving the Batu Talam forest reserve in Raub has been public knowledge as it has been going on for decades, even before he began working in Pahang.

"If there are leakages going on and if there’s a report, (do) investigate. Actually, enforcement operations like this are normally done with the assistance of other agencies including the Land Office and the police.

"But if we don’t conduct an enforcement operation now, then when? It’s been 20 years and we have to put a stop here. Since the past two to three years, we have conducted many operations to conserve the environment, including in Cameron Highlands," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the department and Wasco Coatings Malaysia Sdn Bhd regarding cooperation in forest conservation and planting in Gebeng, Kuantan, today.

At the ceremony, Mohd Hizamri represented the department while Wasco Coatings was represented by Group CEO Giancarlo Maccagno.

Regarding the willingness of the durian farmers to hold discussions, Mohd Hizamri said the matter needs to be brought to the state government.

He said this was because the forestry department’s role was only to carry out operations in the forest reserve, adding that the Raub Land and District Office was the "commander" of the operation.

The forestry department will continue implementing the operation, he said, which involves a 101.17-hectare area within the Batu Talam forest reserve and is scheduled to be completed by Aug 2, barring any further instructions.

"There are those who question why (the operation is conducted) during the fruiting season, but if we don’t do it, when should it be done as durians fruit two or three times a year?

"If we don’t do it, farmers will return to the plantations when the season comes and we cannot continue to place guards to monitor the area," he said.

He claimed the department held engagement sessions with many farmers who were affected since 2019 but did not get a positive response from those involved.

He also said the affected area will be replanted with suitable forest trees immediately, and that no machinery was used in the operation, with all work to remove the trees being conducted manually using saws and parangs.

"We will not allow the use of machinery to avoid land clearing that can cause mud that might pollute rivers. We also wish to protect the land and avoid any soil settlement that might make tree planting difficult.

"If this happens, it will increase the cost of replanting. In addition, the slopes in the forests are not suitable for machinery and there are rivers and bridges that will make the movement of heavy machinery difficult,” he added.

- Bernama