AROUND 10,000 Orang Asli of the Temiar tribe residing in seven settlements in Gua Musang have been cut off as the connecting Kuala Betis-Gua Musang road was hit by landslides, floods and a collapsed bridge due to continuous rain since Friday.

Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said the settlements were Pos Tohoi, Pos Bihai, Pos Belatim, Pos Balar, Pos Gob, Pos Simpor and Kuala Betis.

“Two temporary relief centres were opened in Kuala Betis on Sunday to accommodate 100 victims from the Temiar tribe affected by the disaster,” he told reporters today.

Syahbuddin said residents not involved in the evacuation but were cut off received food supplies from the Social Welfare Department via lorries operated by members of the Civil Defence Force yesterday.

Rising water levels meant only vehicles like lorries could traverse routes to the settlements.

“We are monitoring the situation with the authorities to ensure all food supplies reach the affected households,” he said.

Kampung Jenot resident Roma Manan, 37, said besides moving to a relief centre, residents also sought refuge on a hill in Kampung Lambok, Kuala Betis.

“Orang Asli living near Sungai Betis made early preparations to build shelters on the hill. Since the rain did not stop yesterday, they have all started moving there,” he said. – Bernama, December 26, 2023.