What is causing water shortages for Orang Asli in Kuala Betis?

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Increasing Population and Contamination Lead to Water Shortages for Orang Asli in Kuala Betis

The Orang Asli community in the Kuala Betis Resettlement Programme is experiencing a severe water shortage primarily due to an increasing population outstripping existing supply systems and contamination of traditional water sources. For the past year, residents of Kampung Ankek and Kampung Podek, comprising 501 individuals, have been unable to rely on government-provided tube wells, forcing them to resort to collecting rainwater and river water for daily needs while purchasing drinking water.
Existing Infrastructure Cannot Meet Demand

The tube wells and 'tandak' (mini dams) previously established by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JKOA) are no longer sufficient to supply the water needs of the growing community. These existing facilities, which once served as the primary water sources, are now unable to cater to the 501 residents spread across Kampung Ankek and Kampung Podek. This inadequacy has been a persistent issue for the past year, highlighting a gap between infrastructure capacity and community requirements.
Contamination Affects Traditional Water Sources

Traditional water sources, specifically the 'air tandak' or mini dams, have become contaminated due to nearby oil palm cultivation activities. This pollution renders the water from these sources unsuitable for consumption and daily use, further exacerbating the scarcity. Consequently, villagers have been compelled to seek alternative, often less reliable, methods for obtaining clean water.
Unreliable Alternative Water Collection Methods

In the absence of functional and clean primary water sources, some villagers have resorted to building their own rudimentary systems. For instance, one resident, Nora Kantin, constructed a mini dam that utilises rainwater collected from a cave. While this provides a temporary solution, it is only viable during the rainy season, leaving the community vulnerable to water shortages during dry periods.
Government Acknowledges Issue and Plans Upgrades

Authorities are aware of the water supply challenges faced by the Orang Asli community. The Kelantan and Terengganu Jakoa director, Zarina Razlan, confirmed that the department is preparing initiatives to address the problem, including plans to upgrade the water supply system in Kampung Angkek and Kampung Podek next year. Officials from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) have also visited the villages to assess the situation, acknowledging that the increasing population is a significant factor contributing to the current water supply shortage.

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What is causing water shortages for Orang Asli in Kuala Betis?

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