Tunku Azizah offers temporary resettlement on her own land to Orang Asli families affected by the Kampung Sungai Cot land dispute in Maran
KUANTAN: Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah has expressed sympathy and concern over the land dispute involving the Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Cot, Maran, and has offered temporary resettlement on land she owns to families in need.
Comptroller of the Royal Household for the Sultan of Pahang, Major General Datuk Mohamed Zahari Yahya, said Her Royal Highness has been closely following developments and fully understands the anxiety and hardships faced by the affected community.
He said Tunku Azizah regards the Orang Asli not only as part of the people of Pahang but as a community that holds a special place in her heart.
“Through the thesis she is currently undertaking, Her Royal Highness has come to appreciate the significant role the Orang Asli have played in the development of Pahang for a long time. Their welfare and future have therefore always been close to her heart,” he said.
Motivated by compassion and a sense of responsibility, Tunku Azizah has graciously invited Orang Asli families from Kampung Sungai Cot who require housing to relocate to the land she owns in Kuala Wau, Maran.
Mohamed Zahari said Her Royal Highness also assured the community that they need not worry about their future.
“Should the land in Kuala Wau be developed in the future, Tengku Ampuan Pahang will ensure that the Orang Asli families living there will continue to have a place to stay and will not be marginalised. Their welfare will continue to be protected, and they will be able to remain in the area,” he said.
He added that the offer is not limited to residents of Kampung Sungai Cot.
“Any Orang Asli families in need of shelter or a new settlement are also welcome to reside on land owned by Her Royal Highness in Kuala Wau, Maran, subject to her royal consent and in accordance with existing laws,” he said.
Mohamed Zahari said Her Royal Highness hopes the offer will ease the burden of those affected while ensuring the welfare of the Orang Asli community continues to be safeguarded regardless of their background or circumstances.
At the same time, Tunku Azizah called on all parties involved to prioritise mutual understanding and respect, and to resolve the dispute through constructive dialogue and consultation to achieve a fair and balanced outcome that protects the interests of all parties.
The land dispute involving the Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Cot has also attracted the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is expected to discuss the matter with the Pahang government, as land administration falls under state jurisdiction.
