Saarani said he had consulted the Perak land and mines office and the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa) regarding the matter.

“Both state and federal agencies informed me that there is no truth to the claims,” he told FMT.

Last week, the Orang Asli community in Kampung Chang Lama claimed that quarry firm Siong Emas Sdn Bhd had encroached on their sacred ancestral land.

Village chief Dahil Yok Chopil said the firm violated the United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples as the consent of the Orang Asli was not obtained. He called for the company’s lease on the land in the area to be revoked.

Environmental group Peka had also accused the state authorities of failing to protect indigenous land.

However, the company, Siong Emas, stated it had valid land titles and leases extending to 2066, and alleged instead that the enroachment was by the Orang Asli, citing palm oil trees and signage found on the property.