: The High Court today ordered two companies constructing a mini hydroelectric dam in Ulu Geruntum, Gopeng, to immediately vacate the Orang Asli customary land and halt the project.
The court also ordered the companies to pay a nominal compensation of RM10,000 for the ruined burial site and another RM10,000 for the damaged trees to the Ulu Geruntum Orang Asli. The judge said the Orang Asli have the right to protect their customary land, which should be gazetted by the state governments, adding that the Perak state government, the Orang Asli Development Department director-general, the Perak Land and Mineral director, as well as the Malaysian government had failed in their duties to prevent encroachments on the land.
“Today’s ruling acknowledges that fact, that there is no more dispute as that region is Orang Asli customary land. So, I think after a six-year arduous journey, I think we have to thank a lot of people including the Tok Batins who support this fight,“ said Vinu.