Over 3,000 Illegal Durian Trees Felled in Pahang Forest Reserve Crackdown

Over 3,000 durian trees of various varieties, including Musang King, illegally planted in the Gunung Benum Forest Reserve in Raub, were felled within 18 days through an integrated enforcement operation that began on July 21. The operation covers 250 hectares and is expected to last two months. Pahang Forestry Department director Zainuddin Jamaluddin said the action was taken following a decree by the Sultan of Pahang to put a stop to forest encroachment. In addition to durian trees, other fruit trees were also destroyed. Farmers were found to have hidden access routes behind locked fences, with some even installing CCTV cameras. So far, 50 hectares have been cleared. Zainuddin stressed that firm action is needed to protect the state’s forest treasures and end large-scale encroachment. Offenders may face fines, imprisonment, or both.