Massive illegal palm and rubber plantation uncovered in Tasek Bera forest reserve

A large-scale illegal agricultural operation has been exposed inside the Tasek Bera Permanent Forest Reserve, a protected wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention. Aerial drones operated by the Pahang State Enforcement Unit captured images of newly cleared tracts covering about 7,000 hectares, now planted with oil palm, rubber and other cash crops. Investigators allege that organized syndicates persuaded local Orang Asli people, specifically the Semelais, that the land was customary and allowed them to work the farms for decades.

The Semelais claim a legitimate livelihood spanning more than fifty years, whereas officials assert the plantations lack any licence and have ordered evictions starting in June. The rapid appearance of market-ready crops suggests the encroachers have already harvested significant yields, though the exact profit remains unknown. The incident prompts scrutiny of whether the breach resulted from administrative oversight, deliberate neglect, or corrupt practices within the agencies responsible for safeguarding the reserve.