TEMIAR villagers have gathered in solidarity with three of their community members detained by the Gerik police this morning.

Kg Ong Jelmol spokesman Ramli Aluej said some 60 villagers started gathering outside the district police station since 5pm.

They are from five Temiar villages in the area.

“More of our folk are expected later,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Ramli said they were waiting for the lawyer who will represent the three villagers at tomorrow’s remand hearing.

“We are waiting for him. Our spirit will not be broken by this detention. We will fight for our customary land,” he said.

Ramli said most were planning to spend the night outside the police station until the remand hearing in the morning.

Earlier today, Gerik OCPD Ismail Che Isa said the three Temiar were arrested during an operation this morning to take down a blockade the community had rebuilt yesterday to keep loggers out.

He said they were seeking the remand under Section 341 of the Penal Code for wrongfully restraining others as part of the investigation.

The arrested Temiar are Johari Aleuj, Pam Yeek and Shukri Man. Also seized were five motorcycles and a camera.

In the meantime, the lawyer representing the Orang Asli, Thiyagu Ganesan, said the three will be produced in the Gerik magistrates’ court tomorrow morning for the remand order application.

He said two other Orang Asli Temiar will also have to appear in court as they have been charged for not carrying their identity card, an offence under Regulation 25 (1) (N) of the National Registration Regulation 1959 (Act 1978).

Ganesan said if convicted, they face a jail term of not more than three years and a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or both.

Ganesan also accused the police imposing the allegations on his clients.

“My argument is that the detention is illegal because the authorities should be aware that the Orang Asli are only defending their customary land from being trespassed.

“Since they have been living on these customary lands since before independence, they are also defending their rights,” he said.

He also criticised the police’s action in violating the Section 341 of the Penal Code.

“They should be talking to resolve the dispute not resorting to arresting them.” – July 23, 2019.