Are Orang Asli concerns about historical sites being ignored?

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Orang Asli Concerns Regarding Historical Sites in Sungai Nenggiri Dam Project Remain Unaddressed

Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Kelantan (JKOAK) intends to pursue legal action against the government concerning the Sungai Nenggiri Dam project, citing significant concerns over the potential impact on historical areas, sacred sites, and ancestral tombs. JKOAK disputes official claims of widespread village support, presenting over 3,000 collected signatures in protest and asserting that the project, as planned, threatens to submerge 5,834 hectares of forestland crucial to the cultural heritage of the Orang Asli Temiar people in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
Legal Action Planned Over Dam Project

JKOAK has indicated its intention to bring the Sungai Nenggiri Dam project before the courts following the government's decision to proceed with its construction. The organisation expressed regret over this decision, highlighting that the dam's development will directly affect significant historical locations, sacred grounds, and the resting places of their ancestors. JKOAK is in the process of finalising a court date, which requires further internal discussions.
Disputed Support and Cultural Impact

Contrary to the minister's assertion that 80% of villagers support the dam, JKOAK claims this figure is inaccurate, having gathered more than 3,000 signatures from individuals protesting the project. In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) submitted to the Prime Minister's Office on June 7, JKOAK detailed their apprehension regarding the 300 MW installation, which necessitates the relocation of communities. The MoU further stated that the project's inundation of 5,834 hectares of forest would not only affect cultural lands but also potentially erase the historical presence of the Orang Asli Temiar in West Malaysia.
Alternative Proposals and Government Assessments

As an alternative to the current plan, JKOAK has proposed the construction of several smaller dams, suggesting these could effectively address flooding and water supply issues in Kelantan. Despite these concerns, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, stated on June 14 that the project had successfully passed comprehensive assessments, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), and Social Impact Assessment (SIA), concluding there was no basis to terminate the dam's construction.

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Are Orang Asli concerns about historical sites being ignored?

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