Media Statement No. 45-2026_SUHAKAM Calls for Immediate Protection of Orang Asli Customary Land Rights in Maran
KUALA LUMPUR (29 JULY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its deep concern over the ongoing land dispute involving the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Cot, Maran, Pahang. While recognising the State Authority’s powers over land administration, SUHAKAM emphasises that such powers must be exercised in accordance with the Federal […]
Source: Human Rights Commission of Malaysia · July 29, 2026 at 10:59 PM · AI-assisted report
MARAN, PAHANG, KUALA LUMPUR, 30 JULY 2026 —
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KUALA LUMPUR (29 JULY 2026) - The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has expressed deep concern over an ongoing land dispute involving the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Cot, Maran, Pahang, calling for immediate protection of their customary land rights. While acknowledging the State Authority's powers over land administration, SUHAKAM emphasizes that such powers must be exercised in accordance with the Federal Constitution, the rule of law, and Malaysia's human rights obligations.
Market Impact
The issue of Orang Asli land rights is not new in Malaysia, with the community having faced numerous challenges in protecting their ancestral lands. The Orang Asli native customary land is intricately linked to their identity, culture, spirituality, traditional knowledge, and survival as Indigenous Peoples. The loss of customary lands threatens not only their livelihoods but also the continued existence of their cultural heritage and way of life. Existing legal principles recognize that customary rights arising from the longstanding occupation and use of ancestral lands warrant protection. The Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 is meant to provide protection, but its implementation has been inconsistent, leaving Orang Asli communities vulnerable to land disputes.
The current land dispute in Maran, Pahang, highlights the need for meaningful recognition and effective protection of Orang Asli customary land rights. SUHAKAM reiterates that development cannot come at the expense of the fundamental rights of Indigenous Peoples. Economic development and investment must be pursued in a manner that respects human rights, protects customary land rights, and ensures that no community is left behind. This is reflected in Malaysia's National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), which recognizes respect for Indigenous Peoples' rights and environmental protection as essential components of responsible business conduct. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) also emphasizes the importance of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from Indigenous Peoples before any decisions are made regarding their lands, territories, and resources.
The land dispute in Maran, Pahang, may have implications for the Malaysian market, particularly in the areas of property development and natural resources extraction. Companies operating in these sectors may need to reassess their practices and ensure that they are respecting the rights of Orang Asli communities. The Malaysian government may also need to review its policies and laws related to land administration and Indigenous Peoples' rights to prevent similar disputes in the future. Details not yet available on the specific economic impact of the dispute, but it is likely to affect the reputation of companies involved and the overall investment climate in the region.
SUHAKAM has urged the Federal Government to accelerate comprehensive legal and policy reforms relating to Orang Asli land rights. The recurring nature of land disputes demonstrates the urgent need for a coherent national framework that provides legal certainty while respecting the rights, dignity, and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. The commission remains ready to facilitate constructive dialogue with all parties and to continue advocating for solutions that uphold justice, human rights, and the rule of law. As the Malaysian government moves forward with its development plans, it must ensure that the rights of Orang Asli communities are protected and respected, and that their customary lands are safeguarded for future generations.
The outcome of the land dispute in Maran, Pahang, will be closely watched by Indigenous Peoples' communities and human rights organizations in Malaysia. It will be a test of the government's commitment to protecting the rights of Orang Asli communities and upholding the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law. SUHAKAM's call for immediate protection of Orang Asli customary land rights is a reminder that respect for Indigenous Peoples' rights is essential for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development in Malaysia. The government's response to the dispute will have significant implications for the country's progress and its reputation as a responsible and respectful nation.
Related: SUHAKAM · Maran, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur