NGOs urge inquiry into Pahang Orang Asli land demolition

Human rights groups and legal advocates are calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) and immediate compensation for around 70 displaced Orang Asli from the Jakun tribe following a controversial land-clearing operation in Pekan, Pahang.

The demands were made during a joint press briefing organised by Lawyers for Liberty and Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia, where activists detailed the humanitarian impact of the May 4 demolition at Kampung Sungai Baru.

During the 45-minute session, advocates presented testimonies from villagers who claimed they are now living in temporary tents on the site where their homes once stood. According to the accounts shared, heavy machinery linked to developer SRS Makmur Sdn. Bhd. demolished six houses and a community hall, leaving families without basic necessities and destroying personal belongings, school supplies, and livestock.

At the centre of the briefing was a three-point demand directed at both state and federal authorities. The groups called for the formation of an RCI to investigate state land-leasing practices involving indigenous territories, immediate financial compensation and reconstruction of the destroyed homes, and formal recognition of the Jakun community’s customary land rights, known as Wilayah Tanah Adat.

Questions raised over developer actions

LFL counsel Rajesh Nagarajan questioned the legality of the eviction, alleging the demolition was carried out without prior written notice, consultation with residents or a judicial Writ of Possession.

He also challenged statements made by Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin, who reportedly told Sinar Harian that police were present only as “safety monitors” and were not involved in the demolition. Nagarajan asked why officers on-site did not verify whether a valid court order existed before the structures were demolished.

The NGOs additionally criticised Department of Orang Asli Development, or JAKOA, for what they described as a lack of humanitarian and legal assistance for the displaced families.

According to records from the Companies Commission of Malaysia, SRS Makmur holds a 30-year agricultural lease from the Pahang State Secretary Corporation. However, legal experts at the briefing argued that such a lease does not permit demolitions without court authorisation.

PSK chief executive officer Sharuddin Jali reportedly told Malaysiakini he was surprised by the demolition and said the developer had acted independently, bypassing standard enforcement procedures. PSK has since summoned the company to provide an explanation over the incident.