Thorny issue of Raub durian farmers

[superadmin]

Anyone with the flimsiest knowledge of growing durians knows that it takes many years of tender loving care to grow and nurture healthy fruit-bearing trees.

Last week, 18 farmers were arrested when they tried to harvest the fruit but were prevented by officials from the menteri besar’s office.

Despite the stand-off between the Musang King (MK) farmers of Raub and the state authorities, who said the farmers had illegally occupied the land, was it right for the state officials to cut down 200 mature trees at harvest time? This is revenge politics. It will not endear the rakyat to the authorities.

Why did the state and land office take this drastic action despite allowing the cultivation for many decades?

The story about the MK farmers is one that is common throughout Malaysia. Soon after Merdeka, when most of the country was barren jungle and covered in virgin forest, farmers were encouraged to work the land by the land office.


They were also told that they could apply for a temporary operating licence (TOL) or deeds to the land. The state preferred the land to be worked, and people to be self-sufficient instead of depending on welfare.

However, as in Raub, some farmers were unable to get the TOL or title deeds, despite repeated requests.


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