THE Orang Asli of Kg Sega in Pahang will continue to protect their ancestral land from encroachment by loggers.

They said they had previously staged protests but denied any involvement in the burning of an excavator recently.

Jakun native J. San was recently arrested in connection with the case. He told The Malaysian Insight he was innocent.

“We have held protests before as we were afraid that loggers would encroach on our ancestral land,” San said.

“However, we have nothing to do with the burning of the excavator nor do we know who the culprits are.”

“The excavator is located 200 metres from our land. We had nothing to do with it.”

San said he was a suspect because he was an activist and had organised the protests against encroachment.

He said the issue of loggers encroaching on their ancestral land has been going on for years, most recently on March 2.

“After the incident we set up a blockade and so far there have been no issues. If they come again we will protest.

“We have also carried out several protests in the past against encroachments.”

San had been summoned for questioning at the Paloh Hinai police station, where he was arrested after he turned up with his brother a friend, said Pahang Jakun Association chairman Bedul Chemai.

“He did not know why he was called and thought it had something to do with the police report he wanted to make about encroachment in early March.  

“San found out the purpose of the call was about the burnt excavator.”

Bedul said San had cooperated with the police but he was arrested to assist in the investigation.  

On March 19 San was taken to the Pekan Magistrate’s Court where he was remanded for five days. He is currently out on bail.

“The Jakun tribe feels that the action was inappropriate because San was not involved.”

Bedul said the tribe wishes to know why San is a suspect in the case.

“Was he detained for being an activist and defending his ancestral land?

“We urge all parties involved in the case to conduct a more detailed, independent and transparent investigation.” –  March 28, 2021.