THE Johor government is ready to assist Orang Asli from Kuala Masai, who have been facing compensation issues relating to their land since 2010.

Menteri Besar Osman Sapian said he is prepared to review the case, especially regarding compensation.

“I will look into why the previous Barisan Nasional state government did not meet the Orang Asli’s needs, even though a court had ordered the compensation,” he said after opening Koperasi Permodalan Melayu Negeri Johor Bhd representatives’ annual general meeting today.

He was responding to a report that said 320 Orang Asli have yet to receive compensation after they were ordered to move from Kg Orang Asli Stulang Laut in Johor Baru to Kg Orang Asli Kampung Masai in 1993.

They had earlier filed a suit, naming the state Land and Mines Office director and Johor Baru City Council among the defendants.

In September 2010, they won the case at the Johor Baru High Court, and the defendants were instructed to grant the residents their right to the Kuala Masai land, and to assess the land prices in Stulang Laut for compensation purposes.

The report said this has yet to be done.

“This matter should not have happened because it involves the low-income group,” said Osman. – Bernama, June 23, 2018.