KUALA LUMPUR – Putrajaya has allocated RM216 million to compensate Orang Asli residents affected by the hydroelectric Nenggiri Dam project, said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PAS).
He told the Dewan Rakyat today that the 1,115 residents from nearby villages – Kg Kuala Wias, Pos Pulat and Pos Tohoi – will be receiving adequate compensation for complications they might face during the dams’ construction.
“RM15 million has been allocated to assist the villagers throughout the project, with an allowance of RM683 to be provided to each household for five years while they wait for their orchards or rubber plantations to yield profits,” he said during the minister’s question-and-answer session at Parliament today.
He added that RM200 million will be used to provide land measuring 800 sq ft for all villagers while RM1 million has been set aside for human capital programmes to upskill the economic potential of the Orang Asli community.
The minister also assured that while the project might disrupt the natural ecosystem of the forest area, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and other relevant stakeholders have been working together with the indigenous population to ensure that the situation is under control.
“The Forestry Department has been enlisted to make sure that any wildlife, such as tigers, disturbed by the project will be safely relocated while the locals are guided and educated on how to deal with possible encroachment,” he said.
Takiyuddin was responding to a question posed by Ramli Mohd Nor (Cameron Highlands-BN) regarding whether the government will be continuing the Nenggiri Dam project and whether the dam will impact the lives of nearby Orang Asli residents.
“The power station construction works have been ongoing since March 1 and the project is expected to be completed and operational by June 1, 2027,” Takiyuddin said.
He reiterated that the project aims to serve three main objectives, namely electricity generation, flood mitigation, and as a source of clean water, besides eco-tourism.
This echoes his earlier statements where he had said that there is no reason for the government to terminate construction as the project has received the support of more than 80% of respondents based on previous studies.
Previously, TNB had proceeded with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Nenggiri Dam project on June 12 despite protests and objections from the Orang Asli community in Ulu Nenggiri.
The previous week, over 100 Orang Asli, mostly from the Temiar tribe, had gathered in Putrajaya to urge the federal government to put a stop to the project planned over some 5,384ha of virgin rainforest in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
They stated that the hydroelectric dam threatens the livelihoods, rights and identities of some 5,000 Orang Asli residing in the sprawling area in southern Kelantan.
In response, TNB stated that it worked closely with the government and relevant stakeholders to carry out the project in full compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements set by the authorities, including the Orang Asli Development Department and the Forestry Department. – The Vibes, August 1, 2022
