Police detained 21 Orang Asli individuals, including 17 women, on Tuesday over allegations of trespassing into an oil palm plantation in Kampung Jemari here.
Rompin police chief Superintendent Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi said the arrests followed a report lodged by a representative of the plantation, who alleged that a group had damaged a metal barrier and harvested oil palm fruits without authorisation.
“Acting on the report, police proceeded to the plantation and detained 21 individuals to assist in investigations. They are suspected of entering the 718.281-hectare plantation without permission,” he said, adding that those arrested were aged between 26 and 60.
Sharif Shai said police are in the process of seeking a remand order against all suspects to facilitate further investigations.
The case is being probed under Section 447 of the Penal Code for criminal trespass, which carries a penalty of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM3,000, or both, if convicted.
In addition, the suspects are also being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief, an offence punishable by a maximum jail term of two years, a fine, or both.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding land use and access, particularly in rural areas where plantation boundaries and community activities often intersect. Police have reminded the public to resolve disputes through legal channels to avoid potential criminal repercussions.
