THE impending monsoon rains will bring problems to Orang Asli residents in Pos Bihai because the logging trail that is their only access to civilisation may get damaged by four-wheel drives. 

Pos Bihai chief Alang Segan, 50, explained the paradox: In wet weather, large 4WD convoys end up churning up the only route they have to enter their village when bringing aid to Orang Asli in Pos Bihai, Pos Belatim, and Pos Balar. 

While he is grateful for the help, he pleads that these trips be done with fewer vehicles on a smaller scale. 

“We are deeply grateful that outsiders are so very aware of our welfare, but my plea to you is that if there is a need to enter here, there is no need for 30, 40 vehicles to come at the same time because it damages the road. 

“For now, as it often rains in the evening, I hope this activity can be reduced or postponed temporarily because we have to keep the road in good condition to get in and out,” he said today.  

A resident of Kampung Tendrik in Pos Bihai, Apek Asud, 39, said almost 1,000 Orang Asli living there rely on motorbikes to commute every day but the irony is that the 4x4 vehicles chew up the logging road, turning basic travel into a hellish experience.  

“When the road is damaged (muddied) like this, sometimes we are forced to spend the night in the forest when going into and out of our village. Usually, it only takes an hour to reach Gua Musang town by motorcycle in the dry season if the road is intact. 

“I know they are bringing aid for us, and I really appreciate everyone’s services, but I hope they understand our predicament too because it’s not worth it when we have to deal with a badly damaged road and risk our lives when spending the night in the jungle,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Galas state assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said the authorities and the 4x4 teams have been repeatedly reminded to judiciously use the main road as it is the main artery to sustain the Orang Asli community. 

He said damage to the main road interfered with their everyday routine, in matters like sending children to school, securing food supplies, and general travelling, more so when there are emergencies like rushing the sick to hospital.  

“I recommend that a deposit of RM50,000 be imposed on any 4x4 team to do any activity using the Orang Asli route. Although the deposit is not enough to repair the damaged road, at least they will be mindful when extreme activities involve this route. 

“If the reason is to send food baskets, I believe the donation can be channelled to the District Disaster Operations Control Centre under the supervision of the Land and District Office or to the Orang Asli Development Department or to the Galas assemblyman service centre,” he added. – Bernama, September 17, 2023.