Pahang farmers file over 200 police reports against palm oil project in forest reserve

A group of approximately 700 farmers, alongside the Suara Anak Pahang (PSAP) organization, has lodged over 200 police reports to protest a palm oil project slated for a permanent forest reserve in Pahang. The project, reportedly approved in one district of the state, has sparked significant concern and dissatisfaction among local farming communities.

PSAP President Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli stated that the police reports were filed sequentially across several district police stations. The farmers are urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the project's approval process. They argue that large-scale cultivation in forest reserves not only risks environmental damage but also poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of communities living and farming in the vicinity.

The affected farmers primarily reside in four key districts: Bera, Maran, Raub, and Bentong. Haslihelmy emphasized that these individuals depend on their agricultural land for survival and fear losing their primary source of income due to the project. Consequently, they are demanding transparency from the state government and the Pahang State Forestry Department regarding the status of the forest reserve land approval.

Furthermore, PSAP is calling on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) to investigate any potential abuse of power, irregularities, or misconduct associated with the project's approval. The farmers seek assurance that the process was fair and that their concerns about environmental impact and economic stability will be addressed.

“

Large-scale cultivation projects in forest reserve areas not only risk damaging the natural environment but also have a negative impact on the livelihoods of farming communities in nearby areas.