How do Orang Asli cope with limited water access?

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Orang Asli Communities Adapt to Water Scarcity Through Resourceful Measures

Orang Asli communities in the Kuala Betis Resettlement Programme are employing a range of strategies to manage a prolonged water shortage, primarily driven by the inadequacy of existing tube wells and contamination of traditional water sources. Residents of Kampung Ankek and Kampung Podek, numbering 501 individuals, have resorted to using rainwater and river water for daily needs such as cooking and bathing, while purchasing bottled mineral water for consumption. This situation has persisted for approximately a year, highlighting the community's struggle to access clean and sufficient water.
Reliance on Alternative Water Sources Amidst Contamination

Historically, the villagers depended on water from 'tandak', or mini dams, and tube wells provided by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JKOA). However, these 'air tandak' have become contaminated, largely due to the proximity of oil palm cultivation activities. This agricultural practice, common in many rural areas, can lead to runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers, which seep into natural water bodies and reservoirs, rendering them unsafe for direct use. The contamination necessitates a search for alternative, cleaner sources, compounding the existing scarcity.
Individual Initiatives and Seasonal Dependency

In response to the persistent water deficit, some villagers have taken individual initiative. For instance, a resident named Nora Kantin has constructed her own mini dam to collect rainwater flowing from a nearby cave. While this provides a source of cleaner water, its availability is strictly seasonal, dependent on the rainy periods. During dry spells, the community is forced to seek out other, often less reliable, water sources, underscoring the challenges posed by fluctuating environmental conditions.
Government Intervention and Future Upgrades

The Department of Orang Asli Development (JKOA) has acknowledged the water supply issue affecting the 138 households in Kampung Ankek and Kampung Podek. Officials from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) have visited the villages to assess the situation. JKOA plans to upgrade the water supply system in these villages next year, aiming to address the current shortage. The department also attributes the scarcity partly to an increasing population, a common challenge where resource infrastructure struggles to keep pace with demographic growth.

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How do Orang Asli cope with limited water access?

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