KOTA BARU: The Kelantan and Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) is conducting preliminary checks to verify the status and identities of several individuals claimed to be Orang Asli, who were allegedly involved in a recent gathering in front of the palace.
Kelantan/Terengganu Jakoa director Mohd Faedzyal Mohamed said the department had taken note of media reports alleging the participation of Orang Asli people in the assembly.
He said Jakoa is working closely with the respective tok batin (Orang Asli village heads) to determine whether any members of their communities were present.
“Jakoa is conducting preliminary verification with tok batin to identify the status and identity of the individuals involved.
“So far, we have not received any confirmed information regarding the involvement of any Orang Asli individuals in the gathering,” he said when contacted.
Mohd Faedzyal added that further action would be taken once the verification process is completed.
Authorities have detained 13 suspects following the assembly, comprising 12 men and one woman.
Of these, three are believed to be Orang Asli from Pos Hendrop, Pos Balar, and Pos Brooke.
Sources also indicated that two of them may be former followers of ‘Ayah Pin’, although this has not been confirmed.
The state religious department is also investigating the case.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said five of the 13 detainees tested positive for drugs, based on urine tests conducted after they were brought to the Kota Baru police station.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
