via The Malaysian Insight, 28 August 2018: Orang Asli (the original native peoples of Malaysia) in Kelantan lose a legal battle over recognition of traditional land rights, which will pave the way for logging and the destruction of the Orang Asli’s source of food.

Forestry Deparment Officer dismantle a Kalge blockade in the Gua Musang forests at Kuala Betis, Gua Musang Kelantan on August 27,2018.The Malaysian Insight/Afif Abd Halim

As the nation counts down to Merdeka, the Orang Asli in Gua Musang do not feel like they are equal citizens despite being the oldest residents of the land that is now called Malaysia.

This is because their claims to tribal lands that they have used for generations are still not recognised by the Kelantan government.

Yesterday, they were dealt another blow to that fight for their rights when the blockades they erected to protect their land claims were destroyed by state government agencies.

After being up for close to eight months, the barricades they built and maintained were dismantled as they watched on with silent tears and heavy hearts.

Now, there is nothing to prevent plantations companies and loggers from entering and further destroying the communal jungles they have depended on for generations for sustenance.

Source: Tears of tribal land | The Malaysian Insight