21 Orang Asli held after tearing down barricade on claimed land

• UPDATED 1PM FEB 10 | Added police statement on land being owned by Pahang sultan.

Police have detained 21 Orang Asli villagers from Kampung Jemeri in Rompin, Pahang, for alleged trespassing.

However, 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 say 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.

Azman said the villagers have been unable to identify the company claiming ownership of the land, as the name of the company was not given during the discussion.

He also said it remains unclear whether those detained have been remanded for further investigations, expressing concern that some suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart conditions, while others are still breastfeeding infants.

Land owned by Pahang ruler

Rompin district police chief Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi confirmed the arrests and said that the investigations are still ongoing.

“Police detained 21 people for investigation following reports of trespassing and mischief.

“The investigation is being carried out under Sections 447 and 427 of the Penal Code,” he told Malaysiakini.

Later reports quoted Sharif stating that the land is owned by the Pahang Sultan, and a complaint was lodged by someone claiming to have been appointed to develop the land.

“A representative of the company lodged a police report regarding a group of Orang Asli believed to have trespassed on the 718.281ha plantation, damaged a metal barrier and harvested oil palm fruit without permission,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

‘Release detainees immediately’

The Pahang Jakun Tribe Association strongly condemned the arrests and demanded their 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.

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