A durian plantation operator was fined RM80,000 by the Sessions Court in Raub on Monday after pleading guilty to occupying state government land without authorisation in Sungai Pertang, Mukim Gali, about two years ago.
Judge Puan Noor Zaihan Mohamad Ali also ordered the accused, 48-year-old Yong Lai Kien, to serve eight months in prison if she fails to pay the fine.
According to the facts of the case, enforcement officers from the Pahang State Enforcement Unit (UPNP) discovered the offence during Ops Sekat Musang King conducted on August 9, 2024.
During the operation at Sungai Pertang, authorities found that the accused had been occupying and using state-owned land without approval from the relevant authorities.
Investigators discovered a farm house as well as a durian plantation being cultivated on the land.
Further investigations revealed that the accused had utilised and occupied the area without obtaining legal permission from the state government, leading to prosecution proceedings.
Yong was charged under Section 425(1)(a) of the National Land Code, which carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000 in fines, imprisonment of up to five years, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was conducted by UPNP prosecuting officers Muhammad Muqris Alif Zairiasdi and Nurul Ain Wozzari, while the accused was represented by lawyer Mohd Harris Mohan.
During mitigation and sentencing submissions, the prosecution urged the court to impose a stern punishment, arguing that illegal occupation of government land causes significant environmental and land degradation while depriving the state of revenue from land-related payments and permits.
The prosecution also emphasised that the severe penalties provided under the law reflect the government’s serious commitment to tackling illegal land encroachment activities.
The case is among the latest enforcement actions carried out under Ops Sekat Musang King, a state-led initiative aimed at combating the unlawful occupation and cultivation of government land.
Authorities have previously identified several areas in Raub as hotspots for illegal land encroachment linked to agricultural activities, particularly durian farming.
The state government has repeatedly stressed that it will continue enforcement efforts against individuals found occupying or developing state land without valid approval.
