A group of 20 Orang Asli from Kampung Rakoh and Kampung Dayok stopped Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) officers from collecting water samples for a dam project at Sungai Ulu Jelai, Pahang last Saturday.
“They (TNB officers) want to direct the water from Sungai Ulu Jelai to Sungai Ulu Telom to build a dam,” said Orang Asli activist Norfini Ajik who was at the scene.
Eight TNB officers, who did not state their names or purpose, arrived at Kampung Rakoh at 12.19pm on Saturday and stayed for two hours.
“We don’t agree with the dam project and we don’t want them to disturb us any more by entering the village without permission like thieves,” said Norfini.
However, Norfini also said that the TNB officers might come back to the Orang Asli villages again as they think that the river had strong current, which was suitable for their dam project.
Dozens of villages affected
She explained that if the dam is built, the lives of the Orang Asli will be deeply affected because they highly depend on the river for food and water, and it will damage the area they live in.
“The Orang Asli will not be able to live without the water and children will not be able to walk to school if the ground is damaged,” said Norfini.
The Orang Asli of 18 villages in Pos Lenjang and 14 villages in Pos Betau will be affected if TNB decides to build the dam.
Norfini said that TNB officers also went to Ulu Telom two years ago to survey the area for another dam project which has already been confirmed.
The dam at Ulu Telom will be an extension of another dam project at Pos Telanok in Cameron Highlands.- Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.