Case Timeline
The Orang Asli Villagers and Their Ancestral Graves: A Timeline
From excavation to Federal Court ruling — the key dates in Rosli Jedut & Ors v Agrobest (M) Sdn Bhd & Ors
This timeline traces the nearly decade‑long dispute, from the destruction of an indigenous burial ground during land clearing to the Federal Court’s reinstatement of the villagers’ award.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31 Dec 2017 | Excavation at the burial site. Backhoe contractor clears graves, disturbing tombstones. Villagers later lodge around 20 police reports. |
| Feb 2019 | Seven villagers file civil suit against Agrobest (M) Sdn Bhd and two employees for trespass and destruction of ancestral graves. |
| 11 July 2023 | Kuantan High Court rules in favour of the villagers. Finds they proved their claim; awards each RM20,000 in general damages (total RM140,000). Notes backhoe contractor failed to respect Orang Asli customs. |
| 22 Oct 2024 | Court of Appeal reverses the High Court’s decision. Holds that villagers lacked locus standi — insufficient proof they were descendants of those buried at the site. |
| June 2025 | Federal Court grants leave to appeal. |
| 26 Jan & 8 June 2026 | Federal Court hears the substantive appeal over two days. |
| 16 June 2026 | Federal Court unanimously allows the appeal. Reinstates High Court’s decision and the award of RM20,000 per villager. |
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