The Hidden Story of Raub's Musang King Farmers (Pekebun durian - Lembu Punya Susu, Sapi Dapat Nama)
Education
Introduction
The ongoing land grab in Raub is a stark indictment of the failures embedded in the country’s system, as well as the polarizing legacy of its elites, both Malay and non-Malay, who leverage their power and influence against struggling durian farmers. The seizures of land can be perceived as a modern incarnation of colonial oppression, where the new colonial powers comprise the ruling class and affluent members of society, pitted against farmers who have dedicated years of labor to cultivate durian trees.
While some may mistakenly frame the land issue as a conflict between disgruntled Chinese farmers and the ruling Malay establishment, the reality is far more nuanced. The situation does not pertain to race; rather, it is a tale of lawlessness characterized by the relentless pursuit of power and wealth by Malaysia's elite, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. These elites have exploited impoverished farmers, some of whom have invested decades of hard work into their durian orchards.
On September 5th, the Raub police chief, Muhammad Shahel Abdu Rahman, issued a warning to Malaysians about attending gatherings organized by the Save Musang King Alliance (SAMKA). He claimed such gatherings faced opposition from local residents and the district council. However, SAMKA's chairman, Wilson Chang, refuted this assertion, emphasizing that the event sought to garner public support and pressure the government to cease its oppression of durian farmers.
Central to SAMKA’s mission is the acknowledgment of the hardships that farmers encounter. Issues faced by these individuals reflect the challenges experienced by others within the agricultural sector. Chang stated that the farmers only wish for recognition from authorities regarding their requests to lease land to continue cultivating and selling durians—an endeavor they have honed over decades.
The situation intensified when the Kuantan High Court dismissed a judicial review application by Musang King durian farmers back in April, pushing many farmers into a corner amidst pressure from the state government and enforcement agencies. Although few are aware of the farmers' history on this land, many would agree that authorities have the right to remove individuals from the land. However, durian consortiums are perceived to believe that state backing grants them unchecked power to coerce farmers to relinquish their land rights effortlessly.
Allegations suggest that these consortiums are run by influential Chinese businessmen, yet the land grab predominantly stems from greed and the self-interest of the elite, both Malay and non-Malay, who capitalize on the hard work of impoverished farmers.
The insatiable demand for the Musang King durian from the People’s Republic of China since 2019 has exacerbated the land seizures, and a misrepresentation exists that portrays this struggle as a battle between Chinese farmers and the Malay establishment. In truth, many of the original farmers are Malay.
The historical backdrop is essential here. After the Malayan Emergency, which saw state actions against the Communist Party of Malaysia, authorities encouraged early settlers to report on communist activities in the area. In the early 1970s, when the nation was emerging from colonialism, the state administration urged both Malay and Chinese farmers to resettle near Raub, promising them two acres of land for cultivation. However, these promises quickly fell through, and no land titles were granted.
Consequently, the current land disputes mirror corporate takeovers—akin to a hostile takeover where powerful conglomerates backed by state resources seize the land rightfully cultivated by hardworking farmers. The original settlers, who had cleared jungles and endured numerous challenges, now face the ruthless demands of consortiums, which seek to profit from their lifelong dedication, disregarding the farmers’ sacrifices.
In this context, the struggle is not just about land; it is about justice, recognition, and support for the durian farmers of Raub.
Keyword
- Raub
- Musang King durian
- Land grab
- Farmers
- SAMKA
- Malay
- Chinese
- Colonial rule
- Elite
- Consortiums
- Greed
- Agriculture
FAQ
What is the current issue facing the Musang King farmers in Raub?
The Musang King farmers are facing land seizures as elites, backed by state authorities, seek to exploit their hard work and agricultural investments.
Is the land grab in Raub a racial issue?
No, the land grab is not solely a racial issue; it is a broader struggle of farmers, regardless of ethnicity, against the greed and self-interest of Malaysia's elite.
What role does the Save Musang King Alliance (SAMKA) play?
SAMKA aims to support farmers by pressuring the government to acknowledge their rights and uphold justice against oppression.
What historical context influences the current land dispute?
The origins of the farmers’ claims to the land trace back to the resettlement policies following the Malayan Emergency, where promises for land titles were never fulfilled.
How has the demand for Musang King durian impacted the situation?
The recent surge in demand for Musang King durians from China heightens the urgency and greed surrounding land seizures, exacerbating tensions between farmers and the elite.
