The Root of the Controversy

A land dispute in Pahang’s Raub town escalated on April 8 when the Malaysian government cut down approximately 200 durian trees, claiming they were planted on illegal land. This number quickly rose to 1,000 trees within days. The government's stance was clear: the trees were unauthorized on state-controlled land, leading to their destruction to reclaim the territory.

Farmers Fight Back

Represented by the Save Musang King Alliance, farmers protested against the enforcement. Local media reported citizens blocking authorities with banners to protect their durian trees. The alliance argued that a court order from May last year prohibited the government from demolishing the farms, a claim that added fuel to the fire.

The Value of the Fallen Giants

Many of the destroyed trees were of the prized Musang King variety, known for its unique flavor and high market value, fetching up to US$15 per kilogram. The Royal Pahang Durian Group's offer to lease the land to farmers at a price 30% below market value has stirred controversy, especially among those who claim to have cultivated the land since 1974.

Investigations Underway

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating potential complicity of current or former officials in the land dispute. With some involved officials now retired, the probe delves into a decade-old issue, though no arrests have been made yet.

Durian: A Pillar of Malaysia's Economy

Durian stands as a key export to China, with Malaysia shipping US$212 million worth last year. The Musang King variety, in particular, is expected to see a 15-20% increase in exports to China, underscoring its economic significance despite attempts to cultivate it elsewhere.