Decade-Old Land Dispute in Malaysia's Key Durian Region

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has identified individuals connected to a long-standing land dispute in Pahang's Raub town, a crucial area for durian cultivation. Tan Sri Azam Baki, the chief commissioner, revealed that some implicated officials have retired, complicating the investigation.

Investigation Scope Widens

Authorities are not only scrutinizing governance lapses but also how unauthorized land clearing was possible without intervention. The dispute escalated when over 1,000 durian trees, including the coveted Musang King variety, were felled by the government, sparking farmer protests.

Legal and Historical Claims Clash

Farmers, under the Save Musang King Alliance, argue a 2021 court order protected their farms from demolition, contrary to government claims of illegal occupation. The age of the trees, ranging from 8 to 50 years, further complicates the narrative of land use history.