THE Rural Development Ministry will meet the Department of Orang Asli Development over a blockade by a durian planting company which has cut off access to Orang Asli villages in the Kelantan interior.

Deputy Minister R. Sivarasa said the ministry was seeking an immediate report on the matter and would rope in the Home Ministry and the PAS-led Kelantan government.

“This has to be settled quickly and fairly for all parties,” he said at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

“We need to know the root of the problem and its cause, and resolve it as soon as possible.”

Sivarasa said he did not agree with the alleged blockade barring the Orang Asli from leaving or accessing their villages.

The blockade in Gua Musang has prevented villagers from Pos Simpor, Pos Tohoi, and Pos Gop from accessing amenities outside the forest.

A sick person was prevented from leaving in a van that had come to pick him up.

The blockade is also affecting teachers who are barred from travelling.

It was set up on Friday by planters from a Musang King durian plantation company, in retaliation for other blockades set up by the Temiar people to defend their customary land.

The “durian blockade” was first reported by Orang Asli activists on social media.

Orang Asli welfare activist Mustafa Along said a police report has been lodged at the Gua Musang police district headquarters about the blockade.

“Police had already ordered the plantation company to leave the area yesterday.

“The company’s blockade has prevented people from leaving and entering and has affected teachers and students who cannot get to school,” he said. – July 31, 2018.