This study examines the ongoing land conflict and development challenges experienced by the Temiar Indigenous people in Gua Musang, Kelantan. The issue of land ownership within this community represents a continuous struggle shaped by historical marginalization, legal ambiguities and economic exploitation. For the Temiar, ancestral land is not only a place of residence but also a core foundation for their livelihood, cultural practices and identity. However, intensifying pressure from external stakeholders particularly plantation and mining companies has led to frequent disputes over land use and resource control. The growing demand for natural resources further exacerbates these tensions and directly threatens the sustainability of the Temiar way of life. This qualitative research employs ethnographic methods, including in-depth interviews and participatory observation with key informants from the Temiar community. Document analysis and literature review were also conducted to deepen the understanding of the conflict’s dynamics. The findings reveal that land is not merely a physical asset but is fundamental to the economic and cultural survival of the Temiar people. This study underscores the importance of recognizing Indigenous land rights and highlights the urgent need for inclusive development policies that honour traditional knowledge systems and support long-term community resilience. The insights from this study are also valuable for NGOs, academics and advocacy groups working on Indigenous rights and sustainable development.
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