Jangan sewenang-wenang guna istilah ‘tanah adat’, kata Sultan Pahang

Sultan Pahang has warned against the indiscriminate use of the term 'adat land', emphasizing that it is not applicable to all regions historically inhabited or used by Orang Asli. During a special visit, focused on Pahang, the Sultan stated that the term 'adat land' is specifically reserved for Orang Asli areas under Section 6 and Orang Asli rights under Section 7 of the Orang Asli Act (Act 134). These can be declared by state authorities through notifications in the gazette.

The Sultan reiterated that the term 'adat land' should not be used casually, as if every region previously inhabited, entered, or utilized automatically qualifies as such. He expressed hope that the measurement, consolidation, and declaration processes for Orang Asli areas would be expedited to ensure their preservation and prevent disputes or excessive claims.

The Sultan emphasized that no local community should be exploited by claiming their lands as 'adat land'. He highlighted that no Orang Asli community has ever been wronged, and the state is committed to respecting, preserving, and protecting their rights according to the constitution and the law. The state is authorized to grant specific land rights under Act 134, but such rights must be established through legal examination of the land status, rights, boundaries, historical occupancy, and factual conditions.