[KINI EXPLAINER] Who Owns the Musang King? The Battle for Durians in Raub

In Raub, Pahang, a dispute over Musang King durian orchards has reignited tensions between smallholder farmers and the state government. As demand for the lucrative “green gold” continues to grow, enforcement operations, tree felling, and allegations of illegal land occupation have pushed this long-standing issue back into the spotlight. At the heart of the controversy lies a difficult question: Are these farmers unlawfully encroaching on state land, or has a lack of clear land policies and governance left room for prolonged uncertainty? In this episode of Kini Explainer, we unpack the Musang King saga in Raub, exploring the overlapping issues of land law, state authority, and the livelihoods of those cultivating one of Malaysia’s most prized exports. Script, Producer: Azreen Madzlan Host: Camelia Nor Azlan Visual Editor: Firdaus Hanafiah