Anwar Vows To Bring Sungai Cot Orang Asli Land Dispute For Discussion With Pahang Government

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurance that he will bring the land dispute issue involving the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Cot in Maran, Pahang, for further discussion with the state government.

The Prime Minister said this step takes into account that the jurisdiction over land ownership falls under the state government.

Anwar said he had managed to speak via telephone with representatives of the Orang Asli community from the village who had come to his residence this afternoon.

“I listened to the problems they are facing regarding the land dispute, as well as the arrest of three Orang Asli residents from their village.

“Alhamdulillah, I was informed that those who were arrested earlier have been released by the police,” he said via Facebook.

Anwar also reminded all parties not to manipulate the issue, but instead to give space for a resolution to be reached fairly and prudently according to the rule of law.

The land dispute in Kampung Sungai Cot gained attention after a video went viral showing an Orang Asli woman and her child pleading for help to meet the Prime Minister regarding the arrest of her husband, which was linked to the land dispute in the area.

The dispute is believed to involve land cultivated by the Orang Asli villagers, but the area is reported to have a registered title in the name of a company.

Following the dispute, three Orang Asli residents were reported to have been arrested by police to assist in investigations before being released.

Berita Harian