LOGGERS, who are up against Temiar Orang Asli in Perak, have not encroached on the latter’s customary land, said the state Forestry Department.

It said a logging concession was awarded for 80ha at the Air Chepam Forest reserve in Hulu Perak.

“The loggers have completed harvesting in 38ha, and they have another 42ha to go,” the department said in a statement today.

It said a check of the site showed that the Orang Asli have erected a blockade on Felda land.

Anjang Aluej, spokesman for the Sg Papan Temiar tribe, previously said loggers had encroached on their customary land.

The Temiar have since put up blockades to stop the loggers from entering the forest reserve.

This morning, police arrested three Temiar and dismantled a blockade.

The Centre for Orang Asli Concerns, in a Facebook post, said the three villagers were arrested during the police operation.

“Three Temiar have been arrested – Johari Aleuj, Pam Yeek and Shukri Man. Also seized were five motorcycles and a camera.

“The three are being taken to the Gerik police station.” – July 23, 2019.