Orang Asli 'trespass' case: Cops confirm land belongs to Pahang ruler
The 21 Orang Asli villagers detained for alleged trespassing in Pahang had reportedly encroached on land owned by the state ruler, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, according to police.
“Yes, the land grant bears the name of His Highness the sultan of Pahang,” Rompin district police chief Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi told Malaysiakini.
He explained that a representative of the company appointed to manage the land had lodged a complaint against the Kampung Jemeri villagers.
“The company’s representative claimed that a group of Orang Asli trespassed and damaged iron barriers and cut down oil palm trees on the 718.281ha plantation owned by the Pahang sultan without permission,” he added.
Sharif also said that remand proceedings against the 21 villagers are ongoing.
The case is being investigated under Section 447 of the Penal Code related to criminal trespass and Section 427 pertaining to “mischief causing damage”.
Attempt to dismantle barricade
Yesterday, villagers’ representative Azman Idom, 36, told Malaysiakini that those detained, who are from the Jakun tribe, were attempting to dismantle a barricade erected at the entrance to what they claim is their customary land.
The incident occurred when residents tore down a blockade erected by a company that claims to hold a land title over the village area.
“Previously, there had already been discussions between the villagers and the company, but no resolution was reached.
“We have lived in this area for generations, and the access road that was blocked leads to oil palm plantations, rubber smallholdings, and ancestral farms. There are also villagers’ houses within this customary land area,” he added.
He also expressed concern that some of those detained suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions, while others are still breastfeeding infants.
The Pahang Jakun Tribe Association condemned the arrests and demanded the villagers’ immediate release.
“They were arrested for defending our customary land from encroachment by outside companies.
“We demand the immediate release of our 21 brothers and sisters, an end to intimidation and harassment of the Jakun community, and recognition of our customary land rights,” the association said in a statement.
