KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched a formal probe into the unauthorised occupation of more than 10,000 hectares of government land in Raub, Pahang, which had been covertly used for large-scale durian cultivation over decades.
The anti-graft agency is currently compiling documents and preparing to summon witnesses as part of its investigation. In a statement, MACC confirmed that several individuals believed to be involved in the illegal farming activities have already been identified.
“The MACC has also identified several individuals involved in cultivating the affected lands,” it said.
Earlier reports indicated that the MACC had compiled a list of individuals believed to be involved in the land encroachment case in Raub.
This development follows a stern royal rebuke after Sultan Abdullah was briefed on the sheer magnitude of the land encroachment—an area spanning 10,521 hectares or about 26,000 acres.
“I was shocked during the briefing by UPNP (Pahang State Enforcement Unit) when informed that about 26,000 acres (10,521 hectares) of land had been encroached upon over several decades in Raub,” the Sultan said on May 8.
“This encroachment must be halted and resolved through the most effective means. If it is allowed to continue, it would seem as though there has been no enforcement from the Forestry Department, the Land and District Office, or even the Chief Minister’s Office.”
The Sultan also called on the Pahang state government to adopt a firm stance and work toward a lasting resolution, even if it cannot be solved overnight.
“It is indeed difficult to resolve in a single step, but we can work towards that goal and gradually intensify efforts to combat illegal land encroachment,” he said.
“If no action is taken, the encroachments will continue—and this cannot be tolerated. This state and country have laws. Those wishing to apply for state land must go through the proper channels and procedures.”
The monarch criticised illegal cultivators who had bypassed state regulations, noting their actions were unjust to law-abiding citizens and the government.
“The actions of some who encroach on government land are unfair to the government and other people because these illegal settlers do not pay land taxes, do not declare income tax, and deny others the opportunity to obtain land.”
“We want to move forward with an orderly and transparent land administration system,” he added.
His Majesty also praised enforcement officers for their dedication, particularly the UPNP, and urged vigilance not only against land encroachment but also illegal mining activities.
“Besides land encroachment, we also need to focus on illegal mining. I hope local authorities are aware of activities in their respective areas,” he said.
“Do not be puppets to those involved in illegal activities—that would be a betrayal. I will personally go to the ground, like today, to inspect and witness the actual situation, especially when it concerns unlawful activities.”
Last month, the Pahang government launched “Op Sekat 3.0”, a special operation aimed at curbing illegal land seizures and the exploitation of forest reserves in Raub.
During the opening of the Pahang State Legislative Assembly sitting, Sultan Abdullah had described land encroachers as a greater threat to the state than drug abuse or conventional crime. – May 10, 2025