Suhakam’s statement comes after an engagement session with affected groups organised by the commission on April 7 to resolve fears over the effects of the Nenggiri hydroelectric dam project in Gua Musang on surrounding communities.
The engagement session was attended by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), the Orang Asli community, state government, and the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa), among others.
Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph said findings from the session showed that the Orang Asli community representatives had concerns over the project as the dam would destroy their villages, lands and burial sites, among others.
“However, they are not against the project,” he said in a virtual press conference today.
He said that, after the negotiations, the community had agreed to be relocated and resettled in a new area.
“After the negotiation process, TNB has to relocate the affected villagers to their original village, which is in Kuala Yai,” he said, adding that a total of 200 villagers had agreed to be relocated so far.
He stressed that TNB must learn from the previous failed resettlement process and avoid making the same mistakes.
“The facilities in the new area (Kuala Yai) must be better than those in the current location (Kampung Pos Tohoi). The villagers also hope their burial site will not be destroyed even after they relocate to a new area.”
He said that there had been a lack of transparency and comprehensive discussion on the project between TNB and the affected communities.
These included detailed information on the evacuation process, resettlement process and compensation.
He noted that the Orang Asli community there also did not have access to relevant reports such as the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA), social impact assessment (SIA), and wildlife reports.
However, he said TNB had promised to submit all relevant reports to the community and was willing to hold discussions to find a solution to the issue.
He also spoke about those arrested in connection with the “Kerajaan Gagal” demonstration and other protests.
He questioned the need to arrest the protestors, saying it would only burden the authorities.
“If it is legitimate, then there may be a need for it, but there is no need for such action now. We know that PDRM is stretched (thin) now due to Covid-19.”