An officer from the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM), who wished to remain anonymous, told FMT that under Section 47 of the National Forestry Act of 1984, individuals and groups who wished to enter areas gazetted as permanent forest reserves (HSK) would need a permit.
“No one is allowed to enter the HSK area, and this includes even forestry officers.
“The Orang Asli were initially not allowed to enter. But we want to maintain a good relationship between the department and the Orang Asli. That’s why the Orang Asli were allowed to enter after submitting a request.”
Such requests were formally made with the assistance of relevant groups such as the Kelantan Network of Orang Asli Villages (JKOAK), he said.
The source reminded that forest reserves came under the purview of the state government and that even officers from the Forestry Department would have to possess a special pass to get in.
“There are two types of forests – open forests and closed forests. Open forests are like recreational forests which can be accessed by the public.
“On the other hand, closed forests are reserve forests which are restricted to the public, according to Section 47.”
He said that the state Forestry Department and JKOAK had regular meetings to address such issues.
“Siti can meet the Orang Asli villagers; it is their right to get legal advice. But she has to inform the state Forestry Department first.”
Yesterday, Siti was barred from entering the forest reserve at an Orang Asli settlement in Pos Tohoi at Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Meanwhile, a statement from JPSM on Facebook said that if the Orang Asli wished to meet their lawyers, they could meet them outside the forest reserve.
“Lawyers who wish to enter the forest reserve can apply for a permit through the Kelantan Forestry Department.
“The same applies for other NGOs who desire to enter the forest reserve area.”