'Please have mercy': Tasek Bera Orang Asli seek talks over eviction
BERA: Orang Asli villagers living near Tasek Bera are seeking negotiations with the authorities after receiving notices in June ordering them to vacate parts of the forest reserve, saying the land has been their source of livelihood for generations.
Orang Asli villagers near Tasek Bera are requesting negotiations with authorities after being notified in June to leave portions of the forest reserve. The Semelai community, who have lived off the land for generations, expressed their concerns over the timing of the move, as their families have depended on the land for over 50 years through rubber and oil palm plantations. Facing eviction, they seek dialogue with authorities, hoping their long-standing ties to the customary land will be considered.
On September 14, enforcement team members attempted to enter several villages, including Kampung Pathir, but were stopped by villagers who had erected barriers. This led to the arrest of five individuals in Kampung Pathir, including four women. Tok Batin Amir Noor Tan, a local leader, stated that several Orang Asli villages around Tasek Bera received pink warning notices from the Forestry Department for alleged encroachment into the permanent forest reserve.
Despite lodging a police report and setting up guard posts, no action was taken, according to Noor Tan.
The enforcement team conducted drone surveillance and attempted to enter the village without seeking permission or informing the villagers about their purpose. When met with resistance, the team arrested five villagers. Noor Tan expressed frustration, stating that the Tok Batin is no longer consulted before authorities enter a village, highlighting the diminishing roles of traditional leaders. He emphasized that none of the villages near the lake have been officially designated as Orang Asli villages.
Villager Lama Kaya, 60, warned that if the forest reserve land is taken over, the Orang Asli community would have no land to work on, leaving their future uncertain. He urged the authorities to speak with the villagers and explain their plans. The New Straits Times visited several settlements near Tasek Bera, finding most village guard posts manned, though villagers were hesitant to speak.
The Forestry Department notice, dated June 25, 2026, stated that the offense was committed under Section 81(g) of the National Forestry Act 1985 for allegedly trespassing into a permanent forest reserve without authorization, ordering occupants to vacate within 14 days.
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