RAUB: Enforcement officers involved in the operation to clear illegally-planted durian trees at Batu Talam permanent forest reserve here were faced with unexpected "hurdles" while executing their duties.
The durian farmers operating at the site were believed to be responsible for the "setbacks" to delay the enforcement team from entering the farms and cutting down the trees.
On Sunday, a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a punctured tyre belonging to one of the farmers was parked in the middle of the narrow road and blocked the path into the farms.
Yesterday, the enforcement team was forced to spend several hours repairing a damaged concrete bridge along the path leading to the farms.
State Forestry Department assistant director (enforcement) Nor Azirim Ahmad said these "obstacles" had resulted in delays to reach the plantation site.
"Our team had to use ropes to lift the broken concrete pieces from the stream to repair the bridge. It has been quite challenging as we had to ensure the bridge is safe for vehicles to travel," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the enforcement team consisting the Pahang Forestry Department, State Enforcement Unit and policemen will be joined by the General Operations Force (GOF) Tenggara Brigade from the Bukit Galing camp in Kuantan.
"The GOF will provide more security during the operation and ensure work can be done according to schedule," he said.
The operation covering an area of about 101ha began on July 3 and will end on Aug 2.
Checks at the permanent reserve yesterday revealed more than 200 Musang King durian trees had been cut down.
Yesterday, 18 farmers, who were detained for allegedly encroaching into the permanent forest reserve on Sunday, were remanded for two days for investigations under the National Forestry Act 1984.