KUANTAN: Eighteen individuals believed to be illegal durian farmers have been detained for trespassing into the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve in Raub yesterday.
The suspects, who were also involved in provoking the Forestry Department enforcement team, were taken to the Raub police headquarters about 4pm.
The department, in a statement, said the suspects had gone into the permanent forest reserve without permission and appeared extremely provocative towards the department's staff who were part of an enforcement operation to clear illegal farms.
"Throughout the operation, the department's staff has been experiencing a tough time facing the provocative farmers. They had attempted to block the department's vehicle from entering and leaving the operation site, and prevented the team from carrying out their duties.
"The department lodged police reports and provided video recordings for further action, and the Forestry Department's investigating officers are continuing their probe on the illegal farmers (for trespassing)," read the statement.
The department said the operation to clear illegal durian farms at the Batu Talam forest reserve was jointly conducted with the government agencies in the state and police at a 101ha area.
"The operation was carried out to destroy durian trees planted illegally and arrest individuals or farmers who entered the forest reserve without any permission. The department will seize all the vehicles and goods which are recovered inside the forest reserve area," it read.
Meanwhile, Save Musang King Alliance (Samka), in a statement, said 18 farmers including its president Wilson Chang were detained for investigations yesterday.
"The farmers were picked up at Tras about 3pm while Chang was detained when he went to the police station an hour later. They are investigated under Section 47 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (trespassing) and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duties," read the statement.
Samka said Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui, who was present at the police station, was arrested under Section 186 about 10pm yesterday before he was released on police bail about midnight while the 18 farmers will be remanded at the Raub Magistrate's Court today.
Earlier yesterday, Pahang Forestry Department director Datuk Dr Mohd Hizamri Yasin said four individuals including two foreigners were arrested on Saturday for encroaching the forest reserve.
He said the enforcement operation at the Batu Talam permanent forest reserve which began on Saturday is scheduled to end early next month.