ORCHARDS which once fed scores of families and rivers that were a lifeline for several tour operators are at risk of being destroyed by a mini-hydroelectricity dam project in Gopeng, Perak.

Six kampung of the indigenous Semai tribe in Ulu Geruntum, who number close to 400, also worry that their orchards and cemeteries will be destroyed once the project starts.

Business operators in the bustling local eco-tourism industry, meanwhile, said the crystal-clear waters of Sg Kampar which draw weekend visitors, will be polluted by the project.      

Uda Tiah of Kg Sg Ampang said the project’s developer has already destroyed their crops while building an access road.

“I know that it is government land. But the trees on the land were planted by us. They are our trees. They should at least respect us,” said the 57-year-old.

Villagers have been protesting against the project as early as 2012, when it was first announced and awarded to a company to build 31 mini-dams along three rivers, including Sg Kampar.

The projects would impact on six villages, including Kg Sg Kapor, Kg Sg Sat and Kg Sgs Poh.

Also affected is a bustling cottage industry in Gopeng centred on Sg Kampar’s white-water rafts and its waterfalls, which are popular with visitors from the Klang Valley.

Mohd Faizal Abdul Kadir, who manages a white-water-rafting company, said neither the state government nor the company showed any proof that the project will not impact on the environment.

During a meeting, Faizal was told that the project did not require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study, as the area which will be logged is less than 40ha.

“The company told us that the project will not harm our businesses. But we questioned them on its impact on the environment,” said the manager of Nomad Adventures, one of 10 white-water-rafting operators.

There is no document or report guaranteeing that the project would not affect their businesses, Faizal said.  

“There was no black and white on the impact on the river or its habitat. It’s disappointing that the state government did not come and meet the stakeholders before launching the project.” 

Long-term damage

Last month, Perak Menteri Besar Zambry Abdul Kadir reportedly ordered a study be done on the project and its social and environmental impact.

“I have ordered the exco responsible for the environment to look into all aspects, including whether it will affect the rivers’ flow and harm tourism in the area,” he was quoted as saying by the Suara Perak portal.

“I will wait for the assessment to be completed before I make any further comments.”

The Malaysian Insight is waiting for responses from the Perak government and developer.

Chalet operators in Ulu Geruntum, such as Ayesha Abdul Razak, are frustrated that they were not consulted about the project.

Resorts and chalets are a popular with hikers, white-water rafters and families during the school holidays. 

“We are worried that it will affect our income. If the river becomes polluted, what are we going to do?” said the manager of Kuala Razila resort which has been operating for the past eight years.

Another villager Bahagen Bahaden said the project has bigger long-term consequences than just the destruction of their orchards. This is since the tribe lives on what is still considered government land.   

“First, it’s our orchards, tomorrow they will come and bulldoze our houses. We who have lived here for generations have no rights and the government can just give the land to other developers.”

Malaysian Natural Treasures Protection Association (PEKA) has criticised the developer for failing to meet with the residents and stakeholders before starting the project.

“Villagers also have valid concerns as their orchards are their livelihoods. The river is the kampung’s source of clean water. The project should not pollute the river,” said PEKA president Sajeeda Muhammad.

She urged Zambry and the Environment Department to step in to resolve the issue.

“Only the menteri besar now has the power to help.” – March 29, 2018.