GUA MUSANG: The Orang Asli affected by the construction of the Nenggiri Hydroelectric Dam will be relocated to their original village in Kuala Yai which they last occupied in 1983.
Pos Tohoi tok batin (village head) Zainal Chali said the affected Orang Asli, totaling about 1,200, were from the settlements and two other areas namely Pos Pulat and Kampung Kuala Wias.
He said their new settlement of Kuala Yai was located about 15km from their current villages ande they are expected to move to the new place by 2026.
"It seems that we will return to our old settlement after more than 40 years of living here.
"Some of us, especially the new generation will have new experiences and they are looking forward to moving to the new place," said the 54-year-old.
Zainal, who became Pos Tohoi village head in 2018, thanked the government especially Tenaga Nasional Berhad for the compensation and other assistance.
It was reported that a total of 1,200 Orang Asli from Pos Pulat, Pos Tohoi and Kampung Kuala Wias, who are affected by the construction of the Nenggiri Hydroelectric Dam will be relocated starting mid-2026.
TNB Power Generation managing director Muhamad Nazri Pazil said the Orang Asli, involving 245 household heads will be relocated in stages after the completion of the hydroelectric dam.
He added a total of RM10 million in compensation for crop and plantation damage has been provided to the 245 households and the compensation was paid to the community on Aug 9 and 14.
Construction of the hydroelectric dam started in March 2022 and is expected to be fully completed in November 2027.
Work progress has reached 40.5 per cent.The project will boost tourism and socio-economic sectors in Gua Musang and will provide 2,000 employment opportunities upon completion.
The RM5 billion project, located in the northeastern part of Kelantan, will bring multiplied benefits to the state, including in terms of reducing the effects of floods and droughts.
This will be achieved through he main reservoir lake measuring 53.84 square km and a water flow control pool that is 0.97 square km.
Upon completion, the hydroelectric dam will hold rainwater during the monsoon season and help mitigate heavy runoff that causes floods in the lowlands.
It will also deliver 300 megawatts (MW) to the National Grid.