Indigenous villagers in Malaysia refuse relocation, prioritizing ancestral land and heritage

In the heart of Pahang, Malaysia, the indigenous community of Sungai Choh village stands firm on their ancestral land. Despite a compassionate offer from the Queen of Malaysia, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, to move to a more organized settlement, residents like Juliana Ismail, 34, are resolute in their decision to stay.

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I don't want riches or a luxurious life; I just want our forest and our ancestral land.

Ismail expressed deep gratitude for the Queen's concern for the Orang Asli community and her recognition of their presence in the state. However, she emphasized that the Sungai Choh land is more than just a dwelling; it is the source of their life and a legacy for future generations. "I don't want riches or a luxurious life; I just want our forest and our ancestral land," Ismail stated.

The forest, she explained, is crucial for their survival, providing essential resources like water from the river and food. She feels unable to adapt to urban life, asserting that the forest is her true home. The community's connection to their land is profound, encompassing not only sustenance but also their cultural identity.

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Water from the river comes from where if not from the forest area? We need forest resources. I cannot live in the city because that is not my place. My place is in the forest.

To further their cause, Ismail plans to engage with state officials, including the Menteri Besar, before seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya. Their stand highlights a deep-seated desire to preserve their heritage and way of life against the pressures of development and relocation.

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I am very grateful for the invitation to live in Kampung Kuala Wau, but I cannot because my ancestral land is in Sungai Chot. I need to defend that ancestral land because it is my source of life and for future generations.