PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Cot in Maran that their long-running land dispute will be brought to the Pahang government for further discussions, acknowledging that land administration falls under the jurisdiction of the state government.
Anwar said he spoke by telephone with representatives of the Orang Asli community who had gathered outside his residence on Friday to seek Federal Government intervention over the dispute.
"I listened to the problems they are facing regarding the land dispute, as well as the detention of three Orang Asli residents from their village.
"Alhamdulillah, I have been informed that those who were previously detained have now been released by the police," he said in a Facebook post.
The Prime Minister said the Federal Government would engage the Pahang government in an effort to find an appropriate resolution, while respecting the constitutional division of powers over land matters.
He also urged all parties not to politicise or exploit the issue, but instead to allow the matter to be resolved fairly, prudently and in accordance with the rule of law.
The Kampung Sungai Cot land dispute attracted nationwide attention after a video went viral showing an Orang Asli woman and her child appealing for assistance to meet the Prime Minister following the arrest of her husband over the dispute.
The dispute is believed to involve land cultivated by the Orang Asli community, although the area is reportedly registered under the ownership of a private company.
Following the dispute, three Orang Asli villagers were detained by police to assist investigations before being released. - July 18, 2026
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