Between 2002 and 2023, Malaysia lost millions of hectares of humid primary forest. In places like Gua Musang in Kelantan, the impact of forest loss is being felt directly by Orang Asli communities. Villages in Pos Pasik, Pos Simpor, and Pos Bihai are reporting polluted rivers, damaged crops, conflicts with wildlife, and increasing pressure on customary lands. Some residents are now facing possible legal consequences for defending those lands through peaceful blockades. We speak to Heng Kiah Chun, Campaign Manager at Greenpeace Malaysia, to examine what is happening on the ground and the policy changes that are being called for through the #HutanKitaHakKita campaign.

Image credit: Greenpeace Malaysia

Produced by: Juliet Jacobs

Presented by: Juliet Jacobs

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Categories:  environment,  Law/Activism

Tags:  gua musang oa,  the bigger picture,  earth matters,  greenpeace malaysia,  Orang Asli land rights,  customary native rights,  reform agenda,  deforestation,  land reclamation,  free prior and informed consent,  FPIC,  blockades,  displacement,  development,