by Rosli Mansor
The Orang Asal community from Kampung Sinju near Simpang Pulai have filed a police report regarding the actions of a company that is said to be encroaching on their land.
They came forward to make a report after the company encroached on the land while carrying out earthworks using heavy machinery for the past few weeks.
The complaint has also been brought to the National Alliance (Perikatan Nasional or PN) candidate for the Teja State Legislative Assembly, Ahmad Ishak.
Following that, a meeting was held between Ahmad and the Orang Asal community in the village to get a true picture.
According to Ahmad, the village head or ‘Tok Batin’ claimed that for the past few weeks their village and farmlands have been invaded by two excavators believed to have been hired by an entrepreneur.
He claimed that the machinery had indirectly caused damage to their farmland.
“During that period, this invasion has caused damage to nearby gardens as well as severe damage to tributaries.
“Without consultation and questioning, fruit trees and land belonging to residents that have been cultivated for more than 10 to 20 years have been damaged.
According to Ahmad, this village has been inhabited by the Orang Asal community since the 1960s, therefore the interests of the community should be taken into account.
“This encroachment issue needs attention and we will refer this matter to the authorities to see the situation and offer solutions,” he said.
