THREE Temiar Orang Asli have been remanded for two days following their arrest yesterday during a police operation to take down a blockade the community had rebuilt at Kg Sg Papan in Gerik.

The Gerik magistrates’ court allowed the two-day remand this morning despite the police requesting for a four-day period, said the lawyer for the three Orang Asli, Thiyagu Ganesan.

Thiyagu said the trio will be released tomorrow.

“The investigative officer asked for a four-day remand, saying that they wanted to investigate the matter deeper.

“However, after listening to our submission, the magistrate allowed for a two-day remand. They will be released tomorrow,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Yesterday, Gerik OCPD Supt Ismail Che Isa told The Malaysian Insight that police would be seeking the remand under Section 341 of the Penal Code for wrongfully restraining others.

The Centre for Orang Asli Concerns said in a Facebook post 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 trio were picked up by police yesterday after they tried to stop cops from bringing down a blockade put up by villagers yesterday.

Thiyagu said the remand did not commensurate with the offence, which was not drug trafficking or even murder.

“In my personal opinion, this is a minor offence. I am of the view that there is no need to remand the Orang Asli.

“They can even be released on police bail. I am sure that the Orang Asli will cooperate with police for investigation purposes. Police have time on their side,” he told The Malaysian Insight today after the remand hearing.

He noted that the issue will not end as, since 2015, the Orang Asli and loggers have been making police reports against each other.

“Many reports have been made, but to date, no action has been taken,” he said.

The court today was packed with Temiar Orang Asli who dispersed later after the remand decision was made by the magistrate. – July 24, 2019.