She told the FMT that the state government was supposed to help find an amicable solution to the problem faced by the Orang Asli but instead, they are taking the loggers’ side.

“It is the state government’s prerogative to take the activists to court. On our part, we will fight and do what is necessary to protect the Orang Asli,” the lawyer said.

Siti pointed out that the Temiar community was merely trying to protect and keep the forest alive, an effort which the PAS-led government should have supported.

“But they chose to play hardball instead. So let the case go to court, and we shall wait for the court to decide,” she added.

Siti was responding to an ultimatum issued by the Kelantan Forestry Department in a notice dated Nov 6 where it gave the activists from the Temiar tribe, two weeks to remove the blockade.

It came five and a half weeks after the Orang Asli activists set up their blockade over logging activities in Gua Musang.

According to the notice, action could be taken under Section 32 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Amendment 1993), which carries a jail term of not more than five years or a fine of not more than RM5,000, or both.

The notice period ends on Nov 20. It also called for the Orang Asli to vacate any “permanent forest reserve in Kelantan without the authorisation of the Kelantan Forestry Department”.

Department director Zahari Ibrahim confirmed the notice, saying that it was issued in accordance to available laws.