Wrong to take Orang Asli lands for Ladang Rakyat projects

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal today regarded the action by the Kelantan government in acquiring the Orang Asli Native Customary Rights (NCR) Land in Gua Musang for the Ladang Rakyat project as inappropriate.

He said the action had resulted in the Orang Asli community in the affected areas to become squatters.

"Ownership of the NCR land should be given to the Orang Asli and not acquired for other purposes.

"The ministry protects their rights under the Southern Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) which has paid RM2.6 million in land premium to the Kelantan government," he told reporters after opening the Rantau Panjang Umno divisional delegates meeting here today.

Shafie said this in response to the Kelantan government's decision in acquiring land at more than five Orang Asli settlements in Gua Musang for the development of its Ladang Rakyat project.