KUALA LUMPUR – The General Operations Force (GOF) has been sent to Raub, Pahang to control and ensure the safety of land encroachment by durian farmers at the Batu Talam permanent reserve forest.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said, the measure is taken to assist the local authorities in carrying out their duties at the area.
In addition, the action of the unidentified individual who demolished four concrete bridges at the land encroachment site was an effort to stop the enforcers from conducting the operation yesterday, he said.
“The Pahang Police Chief is currently handling the land encroachment issue in Raub well.
“We have also sent assistance from GOF so ensure public order without any unforeseen incidences.
“I urge everyone involved to obey the existing law. If you have dissatisfaction, it should be channelled rationally through the right network,” he said.
22 individuals consisting of Musang King durian farmers and workers were arrested for encroaching approximately 101 hectares of forest reserve under the National Forestry Act 1984.
200 durian trees that were planted illegally at the area was also destroyed by the Forestry Department.
Meanwhile, Acryl Sani said, the police would not compromise with anyone who tries to deter the work of the enforcers.
According to him, the Pahang Land and Forestry Office has used the providence and law within their authority to protect the forest reserve and would take actions on its intruders.
Earlier, the Chief Assistant Director (Enforcement) of the Pahang State Forestry Department, Nor Azirim Ahmad said that the action of certain quarters in demolishing the concrete bridge had caused the authorities to repair the bridge so that they can carry on with their operation to demolish the illegal durian farms.
According to him, the illegal farmers tried to delay their operation using various tricks, including placing their deflated four-wheeled drive to block their route.
The department also had to repair the bridge by lifting two cement floors that were dropped in the river and tied them using ropes. –MalaysiaGazette
