RPDR-PKPP remains committed, no plans to close down

RPDR-PKPP, in a statement today, brushed aside talk by irresponsible quarters that the company was facing financial difficulties and will be withdrawing from the legalisation proposal which it plans to implement. - NSTP/FARIZUL HAFIZ AWANG

RAUB: Royal Pahang Durian Resources-PKPP Sdn Bhd (RPDR-PKPP) dismissed rumours that the company was in a financial crisis and would cease operations.

RPDR-PKPP, in a statement today, brushed aside talk by irresponsible quarters that the company was facing financial difficulties and will be withdrawing from the legalisation proposal which it plans to implement.

"The RPDR-PKPP management wants to clear the air about rumours in Raub claiming the company was facing financial problems and will withdraw from the land legalisation scheme. Such rumours are totally untrue and uncalled for ... the company remains financially strong and is not closing.

"The company remains optimistic in carrying out its proposed legalisation scheme. As a reflection of the company's sincerity, the management is only making refunds of earnest money(deposit) to farmers who request to withdraw their registration," it said in a statement today.

RPDR-PKPP has urged farmers in Raub not to listen to false news and that there is no basis for the

rumours.

On Sept 4, RPDR-PKPP assured that the company will refund earnest money paid by unlicensed farmers

should they withdraw their registration from the legalisation scheme.

RPDR-PKPP stressed that the earnest money paid was not an entry permit but deposit paid to show interest to participate in the legalisation scheme.

Save Musang King Alliance (Samka), a group comprising durian farmers without permits in Raub, led a group of farmers to request for the refunds last week.

A recent joint venture deal between RPDR-PKPP had upset durian farmers in Raub who claimed that the deal would result in small-scale farmers incurring loses.

The farmers said they were prepared to work with the Pahang government to solve the issues involving unlicensed farms, on condition that RPDR-PKPP ceased their involvement in the scheme.

Meanwhile, Samka chairman Wilson Chang said the Raub durian farmers will set up a co-operative to unite all farmers to defend their rights and welfare collectively.

"Farmers must unite under an umbrella ... a co-operative to hold negotiations with the state government and create a win-win situation. The co-operative will bring all the small farmers together which will create mutual benefits for durian farming, protect their interests as well as develop the durian industry," he said. - NST