THE Temiar residents of Kampung Mendrod and Kampung Jelgek B in Pos Brooke lodged a police report on Sunday, alleging land encroachment in the water catchment areas near their settlement. 

A Kampung Mendrod resident, Rama Ajom, 44, said they decided to report the incident at the Gua Musang district police headquarters after discovering the intrusion – believed to be for durian farming – carried out by private companies since the beginning of January. 

He was concerned that the water catchment area, depended on by 500 Orang Asli residents, would be contaminated.  

“Prior to this, we have consulted and held discussions with several parties, including the private companies involved, not to carry out plantation activities in the border area with our village. 

“In fact, we have reported this problem to the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa), but it seems all in vain because it is believed that the state government has given approval to the companies involved to carry out plantation activities,” he said today. 

A representative of the Kampung Jelgek B residents, Ramli Ajom, 34, expressed his sadness and disappointment in seeing more and more land being encroached on, which would have an impact on traditional burial grounds and cultivated land. 

He said the settlement they lived in had existed for more than 60 years but was now increasingly threatened. 

“We represent the residents of two villages, hoping that authorities such as the state government, the land and district office, the Environment Department and Jakoa will help the Orang Asli community in the area. 

“Please don’t destroy the Orang Asli’s water source when opening a plantation. Do research first where our water source is before doing cultivation,” he said. 

Meanwhile, a Jakoa spokesperson said the department took notice of the report lodged by the residents and would hold a discussion in the near future to resolve the problems faced by them. – Bernama, July 25, 2023.