MB: Pahang to be firm in enforcement against illegal durian planters

 

Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. -filepic

KUANTAN: The Pahang government is remaining firm in its enforcement operations in the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the enforcement was carried out against illegal land encroachment in the state, regardless of race or the area.

He said the matter was raised during a courtesy call by Deputy Environment and Water Minister Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad on Tuesday (July 13) evening, during which MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon was also present.

The state Forestry Department recently started a joint operation with state government agencies to destroy illegal durian plantations around the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve with an estimated area of 101.17ha.

It said the operation area was outside the jurisdiction of a court order granted to a group of durian planters who initiated legal action last year.

Wan Rosdy said he also received a request from Chong that the illegal planters involved be allowed to enter the operation area to retrieve their belongings.

"To this request, I have asked Chong to personally obtain permission for the farmers to do so from the state Forestry Department director," he said.

Chong had recently met five representatives of the durian farmers and said that MCA would work on bringing forward their voices to the state government. - Star