Risda clarifies RM78m 'unpaid Pahang taxes' allegation

Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) chairperson Manndzri Nasib has come forward to explain allegations that the agency has not paid RM78 million in land taxes to the Pahang government.

This concerns land in the group replanting (TSB) and commercial replanting (TSK) projects in Orang Asli settlements in Pahang, which involves an understanding between the state and the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa).

Previously, the TSB and TSK projects were managed by Risda, but the management has now been taken over by Pahang Orang Asli Corporation (Oraco) – a state government-owned company.

According to Manndzri, the understanding between Jakoa and the Pahang government was established 30 years ago, and Risda was only asked to help develop the land in the Orang Asli settlements.

“At that time, Jakoa asked Risda to help develop the land in the Orang Asli areas, so Risda acted as the project implementer.

“The proceeds from the project were returned in the form of dividends to those involved,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Manndzri said this when asked to respond to a statement by Oraco CEO Muhammad Olian Abdullah, who claimed that Risda “ran away” because it refused to pay taxes to the state government and left the project in disarray.

Olian made the allegation in a speech uploaded on TikTok, where he denied claims that Oraco intended to seize land in the Orang Asli settlements, and it was instead merely managing the projects abandoned by Risda.

He also said Oraco did not force Risda out of the land, but rather Risda failed to pay RM78 million in taxes to the state government, excluding premiums and fines.

“I understand the total amount is around RM500 million, but the state government only imposed RM78 million. They couldn’t pay that, so they (Risda) left,” he said in the video.

Surprising development

Manndzri said he was surprised when the matter was raised because the land issue involved an understanding between the state government and Jakoa.

“We were also surprised because there was a mutual understanding. We actually enjoyed managing this project and would like Risda to continue because we had already invested capital.

“If we were asked to continue, we would gladly do so, but we were asked to stop,” he said.

Pahang Islamic Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs Committee chairperson Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said the issue had long been resolved.

He said that Oraco was asked to take over responsibility for the project.

“Previously, Risda was the agency that assisted with the replanting projects (TSK and TSB).

“Now it is time for the state government subsidiary to fulfil the responsibility,” he said in a brief response when contacted.

Govt allocates RM255m for rubber smallholders affected by floods

Country enjoys political stability, minister tells M'sian diaspora in Delhi

RM63m in Raya aid for rubber smallholders - Zahid

Felda, Felcra, Risda urged to convert idle land into agrofood projects