KUANTAN: The Pahang government has rubbished claims by Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) that the state government enforcement unit was responsible for setting fire to workers' quarters in durian orchards in Sungai Klau, Raub, on Sept 9.
Pahang state secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Yaacob described the Facebook posting as a baseless accusation against the Pahang government to paint a negative perception towards the Pahang Enforcement Unit (UPNP).
"A posting was uploaded on Samka's Facebook page on Sept 10 claiming UPNP was responsible for setting fire and destroying the structure housing workers and gardening tools within the unlicensed durian farms in Raub.
"We wish to deny the claims which give an impression that the Pahang government is involved in power abuse and making inhumane threats.
"The claims give a negative perception to the state government and UPNP.
"I will ensure a probe is conducted into the allegations by Samka, and the Pahang government will not hesitate to take action against attempts to tarnish the image of the state government," he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Samka president Wilson Chang claimed that the UPNP had set workers' quarters on fire and questioned why the state government was being so cruel, treating the farmers like terrorists.
Samka comprises durian farmers without permits in Raub.
Zulkifli said the state government is always committed to upholding the rule of law and would never take actions that are against those principles.
"In this matter, the Pahang government has always adhered to the judgement delivered by the Kuantan High Court and the Putrajaya's Court of Appeal order, which remains in force.
"We will continue to uphold the law and carry out enforcement to ensure any encroachment of government land is dealt with using the best method," he said.
He urged the public not to be easily influenced by the slander spread by irresponsible quarters.
On April 24, the Kuantan High Court dismissed the farmers' judicial review application challenging the Pahang government's decision to evict them from the orchards in Raub.
On July 19, 131 Musang King farmers from Raub failed to gain access to the land after the Court of Appeal dismissed their application.