Orang Asli win damages for demolished chapel

Orang Asli win damages for demolished chapel

In a significant decision against the government, the Orang Asli Laut of Kuala Masai, Johor were awarded damages yesterday for the unlawful demolition of their chapel by authorities in 2005.

Ruling in favour of plaintiffs Orang Asli residents Khalip Bachik and Kelah bin Lah, High Court Judge Zakiah Kassim said the defendants trespassed onto the land and had no right to tear down the chapel (pictured before demolition).

The Orang Asli had levelled their challenge against the Johor Lands and Mines director, the Johor Bahru City Council and the Orang Asli affairs department (JHEOA)

Learn. Publish. Earn.

Got a story like this in you?

Learn to write factual stories with AI, get published on cj.my, and earn RM80–RM100 per story.

See Training Dates

From RM350 · Starting October 2026 · Penang / KL / JB

read more

 

Video by Rajandran Thaiman & Steven Chen

For Malaysian SMEs Feature your business on Citizens Journal Malaysia
Editorial RM500
+ Photos RM1,000
Full Campaign RM2,500
Get featured →