An AI-generated image depicting a "hidden" durian farm has intensified discussions in Malaysia's Pahang state. The image, showing durian trees amidst dense forest, was posted in the Prompters Malaya Facebook group and widely shared, leading to speculation about concealed illegal farms.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has questioned the uploader, as noted by the South China Morning Post. MCMC stated, "The content is believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence, and as a result, various speculations and negative perceptions have arisen among the public regarding illegal planters in the Raub district, Pahang."
Recently, over 1,000 durian trees, including the Musang King variety, were felled in Raub. The government claims these plantations were illegally set up on state land. This has sparked online debate, with opinions divided between supporting the state's actions and defending farmers' rights. The ongoing dispute over Pahang's durian trade involves accusations of orchards encroaching on government land.
Farmers have resisted tree removal, prompting Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah to express strong disapproval. The Save Musang King Alliance, representing farmers, has protested the operation and gathered signatures against it, citing a court order from May 2024 that allegedly blocks such actions.
Meanwhile, the Pahang Social Action Council supports "Op Sekat," a state-led initiative against illegal plantations, as reported by Free Malaysia Today. The Pahang government maintains that no court order has been breached and asserts its right to manage the 200 hectares under its jurisdiction. The operation, involving police and enforcement units, is set to continue until May 3.
Source: VNExpress