Durian farmers without permits are not encroachers, PH says

June 14, 2023

Durian farmers without permits are not encroachers, PH says

Pakatan Harapan’s Raub MP Chow Yu Hui today said that durian farmers without permits in Raub are victims of state crime, adding that it is their human right to be given grants to cultivate lands.

He said that the durian growers who cultivate lands without permission should not be considered encroachment as they have been doing so since the 1970s with encouragement from the state government.

He suggested that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) review the issue from a human rights perspective to advocate for justice on their behalf.

“These farmers are victims of the state system,” he said during a debate of the Suhakam annual report.

“Although they were encouraged to engage in farming activities and cultivate the Musang King as a leading international brand, their contributions were recognised.

“The farmers continuously applied for permits or grants through formal channels but are rejected or ignored by the state authorities.”

Perikatan Nasional’s Kulim Bandar Baharu MP Roslan Hashim, however, interjected and said that unauthorised cultivation on government lands is an encroachment.

“I don’t think that falls under human rights.

“It is an encroachment,” said Roslan, who asked Chow to correct his earlier statement.

Chow meanwhile disagreed with that “perception”, saying that the durian farmers have been cultivating the lands for decades.

“What they (the opposition) perceive is one thing, but they have been cultivating the land for decades.

“It is their human right to obtain permission and grants,” he said.