In February, Oraco was tasked with managing commercial replanting projects started by Felcra Bhd and the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to help develop land in Orang Asli settlements.

In a statement, Asli said Oraco has created friction and worsened ties between the Orang Asli community and the state government, after an Oraco-appointed firm recently entered a replanting project without informing the tok batin (village chief).

Asli also said the Orang Asli have been adversely affected by “unfriendly” regulations that do not contribute to their welfare.

“The Orang Asli of Pahang are not comfortable with Oraco’s existence,” it said

“If Oraco is to continue, Asli suggests that it should open or develop new government land for the Orang Asli, rather than relying on the ‘tapping rights’ of Orang Asli commercial replanting projects.

“Additionally, Oraco should avoid areas that are reserved lands or Orang Asli customary lands that have already been developed by the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa).”

Asli also called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the matter.

Pahang Jakoa director Johari Alwi had previously criticised the weak implementation of replanting projects for the Orang Asli after it was taken over by Oraco.

Johari, who recently resigned from Oraco’s board of directors, also claimed that several Orang Asli villagers in Pahang were barred from entering a plantation to collect oil palm fruit after the state took over management of the projects.

Yesterday, Pahang state secretary Zulkifli Yaacob accused Johari of making seditious remarks, saying they left a negative impression of the state government and were also in breach of civil service regulations.