GUA MUSANG: More than 3,000 Orang Asli in Lojing Highlands are appealing for a temporary stop to agricultural and land clearing activities in the area to prevent any untoward incidents during the current monsoon season.
At this time of year the Orang Asli community here will be on constant alert, fearing possible landslides and soil erosion, and what traumatises them more now is the possibility of mud floods.
Last year, a landslide and mud flood occurred at the 92nd kilometre stretch of Jalan Gua Musang-Lojing.
Resident Jeksen Syarif, 53, said during the monsoon season, the Orang Asli in Lojing Highlands, especially those living close to the agricultural area, will be living in fear.
“We can’t sleep well and have to be vigilant because we live near the farming area. We fear becoming victims of a mud flood or landslide.
“We appeal to the operators concerned to reduce their land activities for the time being.
“When the monsoon season is over they can start their farming activities again,” he said yesterday.
Orang Asli chief Bidi Ronggeng said residents are exposed to the risk of natural disasters such as landslides, soil erosion and mud floods every time there is prolonged rain.
He told Bernama that he hopes the authorities would monitor activities being carried out in the area to prevent any untoward incident.
“It not only endangers the Orang Asli community, but also motorists passing through Lojing,” he said.
Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim, expressing concern for the Orang Asli community in the area, mostly comprising the Temiar tribe, hopes that the authorities, especially the Environment Department, would monitor the situation there.
Some of the Orang Asli settlements that are at risk are Kampung Jedip, Kampung Sengsang, Kampung Brooke Lama, Kampung King Kong, Kampung Sangwai A and B, Kampung Sendrop and Kampung Bahong.
On Sunday, the Minerals and Geosciences Department issued a warning of potential landslides in several “hotspot” areas in four states including Lojing.