The Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) has called for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the demolition of six homes belonging to about 20 Orang Asli in Pekan, Pahang, on Monday.
Peka president Rajesh Nagarajan also urged that compensation be awarded to some 20 affected Orang Asli from the Jakun sub-group, that reconstruction of the destroyed homes be undertaken, and that recognition be given to the community’s customary land rights.
“This incident is not an isolated administrative error.
“It is the predictable outcome of a system that treats Orang Asli as second-class citizens,” he stressed.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the demolition involved a plantation company that leased the land from Perbadanan Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pahang (PSK) - a state-owned corporation - for 30 years to establish an oil palm plantation.
According to the Pahang Orang Asli Villages Network (JKOAP), a group of people, accompanied by police, arrived at the small village called Kampung Sungai Baru and began tearing down the houses.
Pekan district police chief Zaidi Zin has denied the locals’ claim to the land, stating instead that they had moved to the area during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Malaysiakini is withholding the plantation company’s name pending its response. Various attempts have been made to reach the firm, including visiting its registered address, but to no avail.
Police under fire
Peka further criticised the police and rejected claims that officers on site were merely monitoring the situation.
“Why are the police complicit and assisting a company to destroy the homes of the orang asli?” asked Rajesh, who further accused PSK of enabling the incident by leasing customary Orang Asli land to the company despite allegedly knowing the area was occupied by the community.
It also described Jakoa’s response as a failure to protect Orang Asli communities.
“Their silence and inaction before, during, and after the demolition is inexcusable,” Rajesh said.
The human rights lawyer further urged authorities to conduct a public inquiry into the state-linked company’s leasing practices involving Orang Asli land, and investigate the police’s role in the demolition.
Yesterday, PSK chief executive officer Sharuddin Jali told Malaysiakini that they would summon the plantation company for an explanation.
Sharuddin said the land was leased to the company last year, and their demolition operation on Monday was carried out without PSK’s involvement. - Mkini
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