Takiyuddin Concedes Nenggiri Dam Will Affect Flora And Fauna

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The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry has conceded that the new Nenggiri hydroelectric dam constructed will have an impact on flora and fauna as well as three Orang Asli settlements.
Its minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the affected villages are Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat and Kampung Kuala Wias, involving 1,115 residents, reported Astro Awani.
"In view of this, the government and the Tenaga Nasional Bhd have undertaken various (remedial) measures in collaboration with other agencies (to help) affected Orang Asli villagers.
"Construction works only began after receiving the requisite approvals such as the study on mineral potential, social impact assessment, environmental impact assessment and heritage impact.
"TNB has informed that the social impact assessment will result in a gallery (being set up) for the Orang Asli of Nenggiri," he said yesterday.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin HassanTakiyuddin (Perikatan Nasional - Kota Bharu) was responding to a question from Ramli Mohd Nor (BN - Cameron Highlands) on whether the government will continue with the project and whether the project will affect the Orang Asli community in the vicinity.
Since the dam's construction began in March, the Orang Asli community in Nenggiri has launched various protests.
However, Takiyuddin claimed that a study had shown that 86 percent of residents from the three settlements approved the dam project.
He said the project had many benefits. Apart from generating electricity, he said the project would control flooding, provide a source for irrigation, provide clean drinking water and create jobs.
The Nenggiri Dam is expected to be operational by 2027. - Mkini

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