GUA MUSANG: The Orang Asli in six settlements here claimed that lorries belonging to logging and Musang King durian plantation companies have damaged the main road connecting their villages to the nearby town of Kuala Betis.
They said the huge lorries also posed a danger to other road users.
As a result, more than 20,000 Orang Asli villagers were affected and they faced problems in travelling, including those who live in the Nenggiri constituency.
The logging companies and durian farms were granted licences to operate by the Pas-led state government.
Kuala Betis Orang Asli village headman Ibrahim Malijar said the Orang Asli had been facing this problem for more than 40 years.
He claimed that the villagers had informed the Pas-led government leaders about the issue, but they were ignored.
The affected five Orang Asli settlements, said Ibrahim, included Pos Gob, Pos Tohoi and Pos Simpor.
"We have been facing problems all the time since many lorries of logging companies and Musang King durian farms use the road.
"When the road is damaged, our vehicles cannot travel properly and it is also a risk to our safety. Our children do not want to go to school as they are afraid of accidents," said the 67-year-old at Kampung Bawek here today.
He said the damaged road, which had been upgraded by the Orang Asli Development Department only four years ago, connected Kuala Betis to Pos Gob.
"We are really not happy with the state government. They have been making a lot of profit from the activities but they ignored our safety," he said.
Kampung Seladak headman Rozi Asod, 50, said there were incidents where lorries with logs had overturned after the drivers lost control while going down the hill.
"We have asked the state government to look into this issue but until now, no one is listening to our plight," said the 50-year-old father of three.
Villager Aganor Kambis, 45, said the lorries would normally start passing the road after dawn prayers.
"The drivers behave like they are the king of the road. Other motorists and motorcyclists will not dare to pass the road when they see lorries laden with logs being dangerously driven," he added.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said he needed to get details on the matter before issuing a statement.
"Today, we (the state government) had a meeting with Orang Asli representatives in Kampung Langsat but they did not raise the issue with us.
"This issue and other topics that have been discussed today will be the priority for the state government to resolve," he added.