The Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) has submitted a memorandum to Pakatan Harapan MPs as it searches for a solution to Pahang farmers’ land crisis.
The memorandum emphasises how the Royal Pahang Durian Group (RPDG) aims to monopolise the durian market and “rob” growers through a lopsided contract.
“RPDG intends to be the biggest player in the international durian market,” said Samka in a statement after its chairman, Wilson Chang, handed over the memorandum outside the Parliament building yesterday.
“The proof for these claims is the setting up of the largest durian processing plant in Malaysia and a subsidiary company responsible for export.
“RPDG is also willing to rob farmers with its tyrannical contract.”
It said the issue is not solely about land, pointing out that the contract will deal a blow to the nation’s agricultural development and Raub folk’s earnings.
“Musang king is iconic to Malaysia. If the industry is monopolised, the mature durian chain will be destroyed, smallholders’ development will be drastically impacted, and thousands of Raub residents will lose their livelihood.”
Among those present for the memorandum handover were former agriculture and agro-based industry minister Salahuddin Ayub, his former deputy, Sim Tze Tzin, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji (Raub), Nga Kor Ming (Teluk Intan), Sivakumar Varatharaju (Batu Gajah), Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Parit Buntar) and Wong Tack (Bentong).
On June 24, the Pahang government awarded Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between RPDG and Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Pahang, the lease and land use rights for 2,168ha in Raub for “30 plus 30 years”. It was part of a land legalisation scheme to resolve the issue of large-scale illegal durian cultivation in the district.
Samka is protesting against a contract that members said they were forced to sign with Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP. The contract includes a RM6,000 levy per 0.4ha for this year and selling Grade A musang king at a fixed rate of RM30 per kg to solely the company through next year.
This is significantly lower than the average market price of RM45 per kg, while the levy means a farmer with a 4ha plot will have to pay RM60,000 in rent a year, Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui previously said.
The state government had issued a notice that starting August 24, all land on which durian was being illegally cultivated in Kg Sg Ruan, Sg Chalit and Sg Klau would be seized. However, it then suspended its plans.
On Tuesday, police blocked farmers from entering their orchards, saying government and private sector officials were conducting inspections.
Samka has appointed lawyers and plans to seek an injunction to stop Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP and the state government from taking action against its members. – TMI