CAMERON POLLS | Away from the bustling Cameron Highlands tourist spots, the agricultural town of Ringlet rarely received attention, until recent years.

Since 2015, farm owners have been fighting a losing battle with the authorities who want to wipe out illegal vegetable farms.

The heart of the matter was the Pahang government's decision to stop issuing temporary occupation licences (TOL) to farmers in Ringlet.

There have been many reasons cited by the authorities - from land encroachment to illegal farming.

Many farmers in Ringlet told Malaysiakini that their livelihood would be the first thing on their minds when they go to the polls on Jan 26.

Third-generation farmer Lai Weng Heng, 48, said he has not been sleeping easy since 2015 when his application for TOL renewal was denied.

"I am now an illegal farmer. I am under tremendous pressure. We own the crops, but not the land. Don't you think this is strange?" asked Lai...