Kg Kelaik Orang Asli's land rights suit trial to resume June 15

The Kota Bharu High Court today set seven days, beginning June 15, to resume the trial of a lawsuit filed by the Orang Asli of Kampung Kelaik against 14 entities over the alleged unlawful transfer of their customary land for commercial use.

Judge Hasbullah Adam scheduled the hearings for June 15-16, Aug 26-27, and Oct 27-29.

During the proceedings today, lawyer Sachpreetraj Singh Sohanpal informed the court that a plaintiff witness would be called to testify before undergoing cross-examination and re-examination by the defendants.

He also requested the court and the defendants to conduct a site visit to the Orang Asli customary land in Kampung Kelaik, Gua Musang, to assess the situation firsthand.

Hasbullah then instructed the plaintiffs' lawyers to file a notice of application, along with the affidavit, allowing the court to decide on the request after the plaintiff’s cross-examination in June.

So far, a total of six plaintiff’s witnesses have been called to testify, including three Orang Asli representatives - Ahak Uda, 58; Aziz Angah, 37; and Anjang Uda, 34.

The plaintiffs filed the suit in March 2021 on behalf of themselves and the residents of Kampung Kelaik at the Kota Bharu High Court, seeking a declaration of their rightful ownership over the disputed ancestral land.

The plaintiffs have named 10 corporate entities: Syarikat Perlombongan Gua Musang Sdn Bhd, Redstar Capital Sdn Bhd, Aqua Orion Sdn Bhd, Damai Corporate Services Sdn Bhd, Sindiyan Sdn Bhd, Sindiyan Agro Park Sdn Bhd, Ladang Kelantan Sdn Bhd, Ikrar Bumi Sdn Bhd, Ladang Ulu Nenggiri Sdn Bhd, and Iliasco Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd, as the first to 10th defendants, which were represented by separate law firms.

The 11th to 13th defendants are the State Land and Mines Office, State Forestry Department, and Kelantan government, which were represented by the Kelantan Legal Advisor Offices. 

The 14th defendant is the Department of Orang Asli Development, which was represented by the Attorney-General’s Chambers.    

- Bernama

In lawsuit, Orang Asli leader testifies of historical relic tying them to land

Kelaik ancestral land intrusion hinders indigenous customs: Witness

Orang Asli vs Jakoa: Conflicting accounts on polluted river complaints

DAP MP: K'tan govt neglected Orang Asli welfare in mining controversy

Bearing witness: Activists, students push for action after Kg Kelaik visit