In a Bernama report today, inspector-general of police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani called on all parties involved in the issue to use the proper legal avenues to channel any objections to the actions of the authorities there.
The farmers had tried to harvest their produce on Sunday but were stopped by police and forestry department officials, the incident the latest in an ongoing tussle between the farmers and the state government over the land.
Acryl Sani added that the issue fell under the jurisdiction of the Raub district land office and the Pahang forestry department.
“The PGA is there (Raub) to ensure their safety, and the police will not compromise with those who try to harass authorities who are on duty,” he said.
The Pahang government has accused the farmers of illegal farming and wants to evict them as the state has leased the land to a durian cultivation firm.
However, the farmers maintain they have a right to enter the land as the Court of Appeal granted them a stay against their eviction in January. The court ruled that the authorities are not allowed to evict or prevent the farmers from entering their orchards.
The Raub magistrates’ court yesterday granted a two-day remand order on the 18 farmers after they were brought to the Raub district police headquarters on Sunday.
Acryl Sani also said police have started an investigation into several politicians who allegedly crossed state and district lines to support the farmers, adding that action would be taken against those who violated SOPs.
DAP politicians such as Sungai Pelek assemblyman and DAP central committee member Ronnie Liu, Bentong MP Wong Tack and Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji were among those expressing their support for the farmers at the Raub magistrates’ court yesterday.
Pahang Criminal Investigations Department chief Mohd Yusri Othman said police have opened two investigation papers against Liu, including alleged obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their duties.
This comes after Liu was seen questioning police officers over the arrests in front of a police vehicle transporting the farmers.
Acryl Sani was speaking to reporters during a visit to the Sri Sabah flats in Cheras, which is under an enhanced movement control order (EMCO) from July 3 to 16.
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