RAUB: MENTION Sungai Ruan near here and the first thing that would spring to mind is the famous Musang King — known for its sweet and creamy texture and bright, golden-yellow colour.
However, over the past few months, durian farmers in Sungai Ruan have been crying foul over a deal involving state authorities.
Musang King farmers who had been cultivating the trees for more than half a century, told the New Straits Times that the deal would see them sell their harvest to Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd from next year. The company is a joint venture between the Royal Pahang Durian Group and Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Pahang.
Farmers are in the dark over the "deal" as no representative had spoken to them. They found out only after reading about it in newspapers.
Farmer Meng San Seng, who moved to Sungai Chalit in 1955, remembered clearing the land with his father to plant durian trees.
"Suddenly, we were informed that a new company would buy our fruits next year. I was told that we could sell the fruits to them if we agree to their deal, but I am not clear how farmers like me will benefit from this because everything is so uncertain," said the 65-year-old Meng.
He said farmers over the years sold their durians to wholesalers or to a factory in Sungai Ruan, but from next year onwards they would be required to sell the fruits to the new firm.
"No more selling by the roadside or at night markets, farmers can sell only to the company. We have to supply at least 2,000kg of Grade A Musang King. It would be tough to meet the demands as it depends on the orchard size.
"Even if farmers agree to the deal, which will take place next year, we will still have to pay money this year. We were also informed that we need to pay RM6,000 per acre."
Farmer Leong Meng Kok, 55, is unsure if the new deal would be a win-win solution for all, or end up undermining the durian quality. The father of one, who operates a 0.8ha piece of land in Sungai Chalit, switched to Musang King in 2000 due to its demand after previously planting the local variety and the D24.
"I am not sure if the decision to sell to a third party (new company) is going to benefit us, as it might put farmers under pressure to meet the harvest target and with prices determined beforehand. Farmers might have to invest more to produce Grade A fruits or else they would lose money. There will be no open market and we cannot strike deals with other suppliers."
Durian collection centre owner Wong Sai Keet, 37, said if the deal materialised, factories in Sungai Ruan and neighbouring areas would close.
"What will happen to the durian factories in Raub which have been exporting the fruits to China, Hong Kong and other parts of the world? There are a lot of questions that need answers and we hope the state government will assist as many people might lose their jobs."
Last week, Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui criticised the state government for disregarding durian farmers' livelihood by setting up Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd without consulting them. He alleged that the state government formulated an unequal contract which would sideline local farmers and severely impact the durian industry, leading to a possible "Musang King crisis".
The state government had allegedly awarded Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd the lease and land use rights for 2,167ha in Raub, comprising Sungai Ruan, Sang Lee, Sungai Chetang, Tras, Tranum and Sungai Klau which involved some 1,000 farmers.