KUALA LUMPUR – Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has refuted media reports that the state-linked Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB) evicted the Mah Meri people from a village in Bagan Lalang to develop a tourism project.
In a statement yesterday, he said the three plots of land occupied by the Mah Meri are not an Orang Asli village, but a temporary post to facilitate their commute between their home villages and Bagan Lalang, where they work.
He reiterated that PNSB followed the necessary procedures and laws to reclaim the land encroached on, while negotiating with villagers to ensure they are taken care of.
The issue started in 2017 after a random site check by PNSB.
“Following this, PNSB held discussions with the Sepang district land office on November 27, 2020 and April 12, 2021. The notices to the villagers were issued on April 20 with no objections,” said Amirudin.
“The Orang Asli agreed to the eviction notice, and only wanted more time to relocate.”
Yesterday, PNSB, in a statement, said it is open to considering the tribe’s request for an extension.
“The notice to clear the land, which was issued on April 20, is more of a notice to residents concerning the position of the structures they have built, that have encroached on PNSB land.”
The state’s investment arm also confirmed receiving an appeal letter from the chief of Kg Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong, a nearby village.
“PNSB confirms receipt of an appeal letter by the village head of Kg Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong on April 26, requesting more time to vacate the land.
“Based on the letter, PNSB is open to negotiations and is ready to consider their request for (more) time, taking into account various aspects.”
It said the land concerned is not ancestral or historical for the Mah Meri, and whatever decisions made followed the procedures and laws.
When The Vibes visited Kg Orang Asli Bagan Lalang last month, residents said they mostly came from Kg Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong.
Tinya Anak Antan, the first settler in Kg Orang Asli Bagan Lalang, said she built the first hut in the village for herself as it is too far to cycle from her home village to her workplace. – The Vibes, May 15, 2021
