KUANTAN: The trio who were caught red-handed trespassing on a durian plantation owned by Pahang Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPP) in Raub on Aug 2 were merely trying their luck.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said since the durian fruiting season has started, the suspects had entered the farm illegally to collect the fruits.
"Investigations revealed the three suspects, including a woman, believed to be durian farm workers had entered the plantation in the early hours of the morning to pick the fruits. The farm was among those placed under the jurisdiction of PKPP following the court order (Court of Appeal decision).
"We advise members of the public, including those who had previously worked on the farms, to respect the law and not take matters into their own hands. Some individuals seem to be trying their luck, and encroaching into the farms located on government land," he told reporters after attending the Pahang police contingent headquarters monthly assembly today.
Meanwhile, Yahaya said following the recent arrest, police, along with other enforcement agencies, including the district and land office, district Forestry office and Pahang enforcement unit elite team have stepped up surveillance at the farms.
"'Ops Sekat' is ongoing and police will coordinate our enforcement with the other agencies to prevent people from setting foot into government land. We urge everyone to respect the Court of Appeal's decision last month," he said.
Yahaya said the trio - two men and an Indonesian woman - were released on police bail after having their statements recorded. They are investigated under Section 447 of the Penal Code for criminal trespass.
Meanwhile, 48 individuals - 24 locals and 24 foreigners - have been detained during "Op Sekat", a special operation against illegal durian farming activities in Raub, since it was launched on April 30.
It was reported on Aug 2, three individuals were detained for trespassing into a durian farm at Kampung Tras in Raub after a PKPP assistant manager lodged a report.
On July 19, a total of 131 Musang King farmers from Raub failed to gain access to their orchards to maintain the trees after the Court of Appeal dismissed their application.