Stop-work orders a long time coming, say Orang Asli

KOTA BARU: Orang Asli living near Lojing highlands are relieved that vegetable farms uphill have been issued stop-work orders, though many have that nagging feeling that landslides may still happen.

They said the stop-work orders should have been issued a long time ago.

They wonder whether the damage was irreversible.

Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia Kelantan chairman Mustapa Along said the Orang Asli were happy that some of their problems were solved when some of the farming stopped.

“Landslides caused by activities uphill (land clearing and farming) would not only damage property, but also endanger human life.

“The latest landslide in Kampung Sangwai (on Nov 21) forced at least seven families to move from their homes.

“We do not want this to happen again.”

He said landslides in the area affected the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of Orang Asli families, including those from Kampung Sangwai, Kampung Jegjok and Kampung Kingkong.

“Issuing stop-work orders is a good move... (but) this should have been done a long time ago.

“It is not only for the benefit of the Orang Asli, but also for the safety of other people living in nearby villages.”

Kelantan Malaysian Nature Society secretary Dr Nazahatul Anis Amaludin said the society would investigate the case.

Thanking the New Straits Times for highlighting the case to the society, she said the situation indeed warranted the authorities’ attention, especially during this rainy season.

“This is a high-risk area. There is every possibility that another landslide will occur if the issue is brushed aside.”

She said for the Gua Musang District Council to issue the stopwork orders, it must have had sufficient cause for worry.

“For the safety of all, these activities should be stopped, at least for a while, so that the authorities can conduct checks.”