Royal gesture of compassion: Tengku Ampuan Pahang offers land to Maran Orang Asli families

SHAH ALAM - Tengku Ampuan Pahang has offered Orang Asli families affected by the land dispute in Kampung Sungai Cot, Maran, the opportunity to relocate to land owned by Her Royal Highness in Kuala Wau.

Comptroller of the Pahang Royal Household Major General Datuk Mohamed Zahari Yahya said Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah had been closely following developments and fully understood the anxiety experienced by the affected community.

“Tengku Ampuan Pahang has always regarded the Orang Asli community as more than just part of the people of Pahang.

“They have always held a very special place in Her Royal Highness’s heart,” he said.

Zahari said Tunku Azizah’s ongoing academic research had further deepened Her Royal Highness’s appreciation of the Orang Asli community’s historical contributions to the state.

“Through the thesis currently being completed by Her Royal Highness, the role of the Orang Asli community has been found to be significant in the development of the state since the past.

“Therefore, their well-being and future have always been among the matters given attention by Her Royal Highness,” he said.

Tunku Azizah had also assured the community that they would continue to have a place to live even if the land was developed in the future.

“Her Royal Highness emphasised that the Orang Asli community need not worry about their future.

“If, in the future, the land in Kuala Wau is developed, Her Royal Highness will ensure that the Orang Asli community residing there will continue to have a place to live and will not be marginalised,” he said.

Zahari added that the relocation offer was not limited to residents of Kampung Sungai Cot but also extended to any Orang Asli families in need of shelter or a new settlement, subject to the consent of the Sultan of Pahang.

He said Her Royal Highness hoped the initiative would help ease the burden of the affected families while ensuring that the welfare of the Orang Asli community continued to be safeguarded, regardless of their background or circumstances.

At the same time, Zahari said Her Royal Highness called on all parties involved to prioritise dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving the dispute.

“Her Royal Highness calls on all parties involved to uphold the spirit of consensus, mutual respect and prudent discussions in seeking a fair and wise solution that safeguards the interests of all parties,” he said.

He said Her Royal Highness hoped all efforts currently being undertaken, as well as those to be implemented by the relevant parties, would lead to the best solution for the well-being of the Orang Asli community and the harmony of Pahang.