MACC nabs five over illegal durian cultivation, money laundering

PETALING JAYA: Five suspects have been arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after they allegedly profited from the illegal cultivation of durian orchards and money laundering.

Sources said that the five, who are settlers, had also profited from their durian plantation activities on forest reserves and government land within Pahang.

The settlers were arrested on Monday (Sept 29) after giving their statements at the Raub MACC office.

All five suspects, aged between 40 and 60 years old, have been remanded at a Kuantan Magistrate’s Court.

“Initial investigations found that all suspects are suspected of committing these acts between 2024 and 2025, with all gaining profits amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgits from their illegal activities.

“All suspects, including four who are farmers, are believed to be involved in this illegal trade that has been passed down through generations and were found to have refused to join the legalisation programme offered by Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd, which was appointed as the official land leaseholder by the Pahang state government,” sources said.

Operations in the state have also identified 33 illegal durian plantations that had been established on forest reserves and government land.

Pahang MACC director Mohd Shukor Mahmud confirmed the arrests, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) (b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.

He added that follow up arrests were possible as their investigations into the matter continued.