Suhakam urges Pahang govt to resolve Orang Asli land dispute through dialogue

Suhakam said Orang Asli customary land is not merely an economic asset, but is closely linked to their identity, culture, spirituality, traditional knowledge, and survival. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged the Pahang government to resolve an ongoing land dispute involving the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Cot, Maran, through dialogue, mediation, and fair legal processes.Suhakam also called on the state government to suspend any activity that could permanently affect the disputed customary land until the claims had been independently and fairly resolved.It said it was particularly concerned that using criminal enforcement in unresolved customary land disputes could escalate tensions and undermine public confidence in efforts to reach a just resolution.“Where there are legitimate and unresolved claims over customary lands, the priority should be given to dialogue, mediation, and fair legal processes rather than enforcement measures that may further marginalise Orang Asli communities,” it said in a statement.Suhakam said while the state had powers over land administration, such powers must be exercised in accordance with the Federal Constitution, the rule of law and Malaysia’s human rights obligations.It urged the federal government to accelerate comprehensive legal and policy reforms on Orang Asli land rights, saying recurring disputes highlighted the need for a national framework that provides legal certainty while respecting their rights and dignity.It said Orang Asli customary land was not merely an economic asset, but was closely linked to their identity, culture, spirituality, traditional knowledge and survival.Last week, the Pahang government asked the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa), the Pahang lands and mines office, and the land and district office to resolve the dispute.State Islamic religious affairs, rural development and Orang Asli affairs committee chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad previously said 12 Orang Asli villagers were cultivating the land based on a written claim to Jakoa, but the land was approved for a company at the 32nd state executive council meeting on Nov 4, 2015.He said Jakoa had held a series of discussions with the Orang Asli representatives to find a solution to the overlapping claims between them and the company given the land.