GUA MUSANG: The Orang Asli communities in Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat and Kampung Wias, who have received RM10mil in compensation due to the construction of the Nenggiri hydroelectric dam, are reminded to be vigilant and avoid being manipulated by irresponsible external parties.
The Orang Asli Affairs Department (Jakoa) director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor said they would monitor Orang Asli who have received compensation and would provide them with financial management guidance.
She said the community would receive briefings on financial literacy and the importance of savings through Amanah Saham Nasional to ensure the compensation funds are managed properly.
“We do not want outsiders coming into the Orang Asli villages and selling them unnecessary items.
“As happened in the recent incident in the Orang Asli villages in Cameron Highlands, I was informed that outsiders were selling SIM cards, which should have cost only a few ringgit, but were sold to the community for hundreds of ringgit,” she told reporters at the Strategic Appreciation and Cooperation Council meeting with the Orang Asli of Pos Tohoi and Pulat here yesterday, Bernama reported.
If such incidents occur, Sapiah urged the Orang Asli concerned to report them to the police.
Yesterday, RM10mil in compensation for crop and farm damage was distributed to 245 heads of households from the Orang Asli communities in Pos Tohoi, Pulat and Kampung Wias who were affected by the construction of the Nenggiri hydroelectric dam.
The Nenggiri hydroelectric project, which costs RM5bil, is expected to be completed by mid-2027 and create a main reservoir spanning 53.84sq km and a regulation pond covering 0.97sq km, with a capacity to generate 300MW.
Additionally, the project will increase renewable energy capacity in Peninsular Malaysia, play a key role in the country’s energy transition, and strengthen efforts to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for the people and the nation.
