Orang Asli Community Vows to Defend Ancestral Land Despite Offer of New Settlement
MARAN: Residents of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Chot have reaffirmed their determination to remain on their ancestral land, saying the area represents far more than a place to live, but is central to their cultural heritage, traditional identity and long-term livelihood.
The community’s position comes despite an offer to relocate to a newly planned settlement at Kampung Kuala Wau in Maran, which was extended as part of efforts to provide a more organised residential environment for the Orang Asli community.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Juliana Ismail, 34, expressed appreciation for the concern shown by the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who had invited the community to consider relocating.
However, she said the proposal could not replace the significance of their customary land in Kampung Sungai Chot, which she described as an irreplaceable inheritance that must be preserved for future generations.
Juliana said the community’s ancestral land serves as the foundation of their way of life, providing access to forests that supply food, water and other natural resources essential for daily living.
While grateful for the royal concern shown towards the welfare of the Orang Asli community, she maintained that relocating would mean leaving behind a landscape that has sustained generations of indigenous families.
According to her, the forest is not merely a residential area but an ecosystem that supports the community’s economic, cultural and social existence.
She explained that rivers, forest produce and surrounding natural resources remain vital to the community’s livelihood, making continued access to customary land essential.
Juliana said she does not seek wealth or a more luxurious lifestyle, but rather wishes to preserve the forest environment and ancestral territory that has long formed the basis of the community’s identity.
She added that adapting to an urban environment would not be compatible with the traditional lifestyle practised by many members of the Orang Asli community, who continue to depend on the forest for both cultural and practical reasons.
The remarks were made in response to the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang’s recent invitation encouraging the community to relocate to a more structured settlement.
Despite declining the offer, Juliana reiterated her appreciation for the recognition and concern shown towards the Orang Asli community, describing it as an important acknowledgement of their place within the state.
Looking ahead, she said she intends to seek a meeting with Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail to present the community’s concerns regarding their customary land.
Should those discussions prove insufficient, she said the community is also prepared to bring the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya in the hope of securing greater protection for their ancestral territory.
The issue highlights the continuing challenges surrounding customary land, indigenous rights and conservation, with many Orang Asli communities maintaining that ancestral forests remain fundamental to preserving their heritage, traditional knowledge and sustainable way of life.
