LANDSLIDE DISASTER AVERTED
There are fears farming may trigger landslides that could endanger Orang Asli
NUMEROUS vegetable farms in Kelantanʼs Lojing highlands have been told to stop operations because of fears they may trigger landslides. The move comes as a relief to hundreds of Orang Asli exposed to the danger. But many believe they are not out of the woods yet.
SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH KOTA BARU news@nst.com.my
THE authorities have issued temporary stopwork orders to vegetable farms covering 100ha of land in the Lojing highlands over fears their activities may trigger a landslide that could bury hundreds of Orang Asli living downhill.
The stop-work orders were issued to seven companies that own some 20 farms uphill from several Orang Asli settlements. The firms were found to have breached regulations on the clearing and planting of vegetables.
A Nov 21 landslide at Kampung Sangwai, near Pos Brooke, following heavy rain over several days left the Orang Asli nervous and fearing for their lives.
They lodged a complaint with the Gua Musang District Council, which found that the issue warranted action.
Kelantan/Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department deputy director Azman Ngatiton said the companies were ordered to cease work only recently.
“The landslide at Kampung
Sangwai, near Pos Brooke, on Nov 21 struck fear in many Orang Asli in several settlements. They are afraid the rainy season will worsen the situation.
“To address the problem, the department has held a meeting with several agencies, such as the
District Office, Land and Mines Office, Department of Environment and representatives of the seven companies,” he told the New Straits Times.
He said the stop-work order would be in effect until Dec 31.
Sources said more than 20 highrisk locations had been identified — all are vegetable farms.
Lojing district and land officer
Nik Razak Nik Hassan said most of the seven companies planted long beans and tomatoes.
“The companies have been in business for years.
“They were told to stop after it was found that they breached regulations. Their activities could have contributed to the landslide.”
He said his officers would monitor
the situation closely to ensure the companies adhered to the directive.
Page 1 pic: Orang Asli villagers looking down at their homes after a cleared hill caused a landslide that covered a tributary of Sungai Belatop in Kampung Sangwai, Lojing, Gua Musang, last month.