BATU GAJAH: The state government will study reports and look into possible problems on the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Ulu Geruntum, Gopeng, before making any decision.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said he had received reports from some quarters and had also instructed related state committee chairmen to look into the matter.
"I have asked Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi (state Tourism committee chairman) and Datuk Rusnah Kassim (state Community Welfare committee chairman) to thoroughly study the reports from all angles before we can make any assessment or decision.
"Once we receive the comprehensive report from both of them, we can make a decision," he said at a press conference after chairing a state exco meeting at Ulu Kinta Land and District Department here today.
Zambry said the report would include details on the effect of the project, and whether it will harm the ecosystem and livelihood of the Orang Asli there.
"The related state committee chairmen are responsible to look into this. We are also awaiting comprehensive reports from all quarters involved in this project," he added.
It was reported that some 200 Orang Asli from seven villages were opposed to the project as they claimed it could demolish their ancestral graves and jungle indiscriminately.
The villages are Kampung Ulu Kampar and Perkampungan Orang Asli Ulu Geruntum in Gopeng; Kampung Sat, Kampung Kejau, Kampung Res, Kampung Gamus and Kampung Tidong in Sungkai.
The dam project will not only affect river activities on Sungai Kampar which attract tourists and provide livelihood for many, but will also further encroach on Orang Asli livelihood and rights.
The project is expected to start this year and will be completed in 2023.