KUALA LUMPUR: Police have sent their General Operations Force (GOF) to Raub, Pahang, to maintain public order in the district following a dispute between durian farmers and law enforcers yesterday.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani also called on all quarters involved to use the right channel to express objections against actions taken by the enforcement team.
He said the legal matter concerning the encroachment of forest reserve by the farmers was under the purview of the Raub District Land Office and Pahang Forestry Department.
"The GOF was mobilised there (Raub) to maintain public order and the police will not compromise with any quarters who try to disturb the authorities from discharging their duties."
"If there are issue that either parties are unhappy with, use the legal and proper channel to voice your concerns and do not do anything that is against the law," he said.
Acryl Sani said the GOF personnel were sent there as precautionary measure.
"They are there to ensure everyone's safety and we will not compromise with anyone who refuses to cooperate with the authority," he added.
On Sunday, 18 durian farmers were arrested after for allegedly encroaching into the Batu Talam forest reserve to grow Musang King durians over the years.
They were released today after being remanded to facilitate the Pahang Forestry Department's investigation.
On politicians from other states or districts who were spotted in Raub to support the farmers, Acryl Sani said the police had opened an investigation paper on the matter.
He said appropriate action will be taken against the politicians if they were found to have violated the standard operating procedures (SOP) under the National Recovery Plan.
Yesterday, Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu, Bentong MP Wong Tack and Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji were spotted at the Raub Court Complex to express their support to the 18 durian farmers who were brought to the court for remand.