SEREMBAN: The RM5mil allocation from the Unity Government for the clean water supply project in five Orang Asli Villages (KOA) within the Jeram Padang area, Jempol, brings an end to the villagers' prolonged reliance on river water.
The reticulation pipe construction project, linking main pipes to village areas and houses, would benefit a total of 204 households in the five KOA. The project would be carried out over five years.
The five KOA were Sungai Kelebang, Jeram Padang, Sungai Raya, Temarom and Lubuk Temenggalan.
According to Nazri Abdul Halim, 57, the infrastructure project would provide a sense of relief to his family in KOA Jeram Padang, who had been relying on river water in front of their house for the past two decades.
"I am happy to know that we will be getting clean water supply. We are worried every time we use river water because of the nearby oil palm plantation.
"We're afraid that pesticides sprayed there might seep into the river," he told Bernama on Thursday (Aug 10).
Meanwhile, Basiron Tuek, 43, a resident of KOA Sungai Kelebang, hopes the government could resolve the issue as soon as possible, emphasising the importance of water for the community.
"Thank you for considering the needs of the Orang Asli community here. After a long time, we will finally have access to clean water," he said.
A Kampung Batu Peti resident, Rasid Ah Yong, 61, said this facility would enhance the daily routines of the residents, particularly those with large families.
He also urged the government to implement more development projects to ensure the survival of the Orang Asli.
"There's been no piped water. We rely on well water, which can be unpredictable... This clean water supply makes life easier for the residents, especially during the dry season," he said.
Last Thursday (Aug 3), Orang Asli Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Secretariat chairman Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor announced an allocation of RM5mil by the Unity Government for the rural clean water supply project for five villages in Jeram Padang.
Apart from river water, the residents used to rely on water supply channelled through tube wells. - Bernama
