POLICE have set up a roadblock leading to Orang Asli settlements deep in the Gua Musang jungles in Kelantan, indicating that they have started operations to demolish blockades set up by activists.

The roadblock about a 10-minute drive from Kg Kuala Betis was manned by about 10 officers. This is the first time police have been spotted on the road leading to the blockades since they were put up in February.

The road leads into the Ulu Kelantan jungles from Gua Musang where activists from the Temiar tribe have put up four blockades seven months ago to stop loggers and planters from encroaching onto their customary land.

This morning, police checked the occupants of all cars, motorcycles and off-road vehicles heading into the area. The Malaysian Insight team was allowed access after they were identified as media from Kuala Lumpur.

Two days ago, activists from the Kelantan Indigenous Peoples Network (JKOAK) said police have warned them that the authorities will demolish their blockades if they did not voluntarily remove them over the weekend.

The activists are embroiled in a conflict with loggers and planters over land rights to jungles the community claims as their customary land.

The stand-off has led to blockades and confrontations between activists, loggers and planters for access to the rich jungles of Ulu Kelantan.

JKOAK activists have put up three blockades in Cawas, Kaleg and Kegeg to stop loggers and planters from going into the Perias, Balah and Gunung Stong reserves.  

JKOAK said loggers and plantation companies have destroyed their communal land, which is their source of food, clean water, medicine and is critical to their identity and religion.

But some Temiar tribal leaders are opposed to the blockades and have petitioned the state government and the police to remove them.

The problem lies in the fact that the Kelantan government does not recognise the Temiar’s claims on customary land in Gua Musang, thus allowing it to be encroached by outsiders.

Putrajaya has pledged to begin talks with Kelantan and the Orang Asli to resolve competing claims between the planters, the state government and the community. – August 27, 2018.