Oraco not taking over Orang Asli plantations, says Pahang exco

Pahang exco Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said the issue of Orang Asli facing challenges in selling oil palm yields due to the absence of land titles and licences has been resolved. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The Pahang government has denied claims that Pahang Orang Asli Corporation Sdn Bhd (Oraco) is aiming to take over plantations developed by the Orang Asli, including those on ungazetted land.

Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad, who heads Pahang’s Islamic religious affairs, rural development and Orang Asli affairs committee, said Oraco was established to enhance the management and development of the community.

He said the firm’s responsibilities include managing plantation yields and upgrading infrastructures for the community.

“The state government established Oraco not to seize Orang Asli land or plantations but to ensure a more systematic management of their affairs, including land allocation and related issues.

“We are open to meeting and providing detailed explanations for those who are unclear about Oraco’s purpose. We welcome feedback and are ready to clarify,” he told FMT.

On the issue of land title distribution for the Orang Asli, including those involved in managing commercial replanting plantations, Syed Ibrahim said the process was ongoing and would require time to resolve.

“Land ownership issues come with various constraints and cannot be instantly resolved. There are multiple technical matters that need to be addressed step by step.

“When the time comes, these issues, including those involving the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa) and the jurisdiction of the land and mines office, will be resolved,” he said.

Syed Ibrahim added that the difficulties faced by Orang Asli selling oil palm yields due to the lack of land titles and licences had been resolved, with Oraco now handling the process.

Oraco is tasked with managing commercial replanting projects started by Felcra Bhd and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), to help develop land in Orang Asli settlements.

Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) previously urged the Pahang government to put an immediate halt to Oraco’s operations on Orang Asli land in the state.

Asli said Oraco had created friction and worsened ties between the Orang Asli community and the state government, after an Oraco-appointed firm entered a replanting project without informing the village chief.

Asli also said that the Orang Asli had been adversely affected by “unfriendly” regulations that do not contribute to their welfare.

It said the corporation should avoid areas that are reserved or customary lands which have already been developed by Jakoa. - FMT