Orang Asli reps seek action after viral video claiming Tok Batin who helped search for Jaslinda confined hiker and planned to marry her

TAPAH, June 9 — About 50 Tok Batin and Orang Asli representatives from three districts lodged police reports today over what they described as slanderous allegations circulating on social media against the Tok Batin of Kampung Orang Asli Lubuk Gaharu, Mohd Asmmadi Abdullah.

The complainants from Batang Padang, Muallim and Kinta said the reports were linked to claims made following the recent rescue of hiker Jaslinda Saludin at Gunung Batu Putih.

Lata Kinjang Tok Batin Rani Bah Ulin said the reports were lodged after a social media user allegedly uploaded videos containing baseless accusations that tarnished Mohd Asmmadi’s reputation and the Orang Asli leadership institution.

He said the community was particularly upset by allegations that Mohd Asmmadi had hidden or kept Jaslinda during the period she was reported missing before she was later found by Orang Asli residents near Kampung Orang Asli Lubuk Gaharu.

“Those allegations are unfounded and deeply hurt the feelings of the Orang Asli community, as if we are a community that takes advantage of others’ misfortune.

“We see it as an insult not only to Tok Batin Asmmadi, but also to the entire Tok Batin institution, which has always played a role in helping communities regardless of race, especially during emergencies,” he told Bernama after lodging the reports at the Tapah district police headquarters today.

A video posted on TikTok by the account “jokerspillthetea77” had alleged that Jaslinda was “confined” by the Tok Batin for two weeks and claimed he might have married her if the case had not gone viral.

Orang Asli youth representative Eris Joshan Chew Ho Beng, 22, urged authorities to take firm action against the individual responsible, saying the allegations had damaged the reputation of the Tok Batin involved in the search effort and cast the entire Orang Asli community in a negative light.

“The Tok Batin is a respected community leader and the pillar of Orang Asli leadership.

“Any insult against them indirectly affects the entire Orang Asli community in Malaysia.

“We, the Orang Asli, also have dignity that must be respected, because what some may see as a joke can become an insult that impacts the whole community,” he said.

Eris said he hoped appropriate legal action would be taken against the individual involved to deter others from belittling or insulting the Tok Batin institution and the Orang Asli community. — Bernama