A CHANGE of state government is giving hope to the Orang Asli of Ulu Geruntum, Gopeng, that hydroelectric projects which have encroached on their ancestral land will be scrapped.

The former Barisan Nasional state government approved 25 mini-hydro projects across the state in 2012 and another six a year later at a total cost of RM2.92 billion. 

“We have opposed them for six years. As long as the projects are not shelved, we’ll continue protesting. Now our fate is in the hands of the Pakatan Harapan government,” a kampung representative Bahalang Al Bah Ngah told The Malaysian Insight.

Six villagers from Ulu Geruntum previously accused the concessionaire, Perak Hydro Renewable Energy Corporation of destroying their crops to build a road during construction and encroaching on their land.

Perak Hydro was bought by Gunung Capital in 2013. Gunung Capital’s executive chairman and chief executive officer is newly elected Bukit Gantang MP and Umno division chief Syed Abu Hussin Syed Abdul Fasal.

The project in Ulu Geruntum will impact on six kampung, including Kg Sg Kapor, Kg Sg Sat and Kg Sg Poh. 

At stake are their water source, crops and cemeteries.

Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) Perak president Sajeeda Muhammad hopes the new government will be more stringent before approving new development projects that will impact on the environment. 

“Why was there no tender for this project? We asked, there was no answer (from the previous government). We need an open discussion with all stakeholders.

“I hope the new government will be transparent about all development projects. Don’t hide it from the villagers. I hope the government will let the Orang Asli keep their customary land,” he said.

Teja assemblyman Sandrea Ng, also Perak PKR Youth vice-chairman, said the projects should be reviewed.

Perak PH in its 14^th general election manifesto promised to introduce an open-tender system for state projects and preserve the Orang Asli’s customary land, burial grounds and land for self-sustenance.

“This project has attracted protests from the Orang Asli and environmental concerns, so it should be reviewed to make sure no party is exploited,” Ng told The Malaysian Insight.

The state government, the concessionaire, concerned environmental groups and the villagers will meet tomorrow.

“Hopefully, there will be a solution from the meeting,” she said. – June 6, 2018.