CONFUSION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The government has plan a number of economic development projects to uplift the living standard of the indigenous people in Jalong Tinggi. Most of the projects were with the collaboration and cooperation with various government agencies e.g. Rubber Small holders Development Agency [RISDA], Lembaga Koko Malaysia [LKM] and Lembaga Getah Malaysia [LGM] etc.

Recently, 24,000 rubber seedlings has been allocated to Kampung Hussin by the Ministry of Rural Development via JAKOA. An area of almost 150 acreage is needed to plant 24,000 rubber seedlings. The 'Orang Asal' without reference and approval from the Jabatan Perhutanan try to open up forest land. JAKOA did not inform or apply to Jabatan Perhutanan either.

When Jabatan Perhutanan notice the open burning and clearing works carry out in the forest reserve zone, an immediate stop work order issued. As such there are aggressiveness by the 'Orang Asal' towards Jabatan Perhutanan staff. I was told that weapons e.g. parang and sumpit were brought out by the 'Orang Asal'. On the other hand, the Jabatan Perhutanan staff try to load their shot gun (I wonder is Jabatan Perhutanan staff equip with guns!). A police report has been made by both parties.

From a trusted source of information, the Jabatan Perhutanan try to assist JAKOA and the 'Orang Asal' to ensure that the project success. Jabatan Perhutanan proposed to arrange logging and proper land clearance and preparation for rubber cultivation; however, the Batin Kampung Hussin (Adnan) disagreed and protest the proposal.

I personally agreed to Jabatan Perhutanan. Land should be properly cleared and prepare so that there is no land erosion and other environmental problems. With due respect to the 'Orang Asal', they should get assistance from experience government agencies e.g. RISDA, LGM for that purpose. Planting is easy but maintaining with high production yield need proper monitoring and management. Lacking of planting technique will distract all the effort furthermore is a waste of land, money, effort, unproductive and environmental problems occur.

I try to make an appointment with the batin but not successful. 

There are confusion on these:

• Why seedlings were sent without land availability? 
• Everybody is aware that 'Orang Asal' do not know rubber cultivation, why not training provided?
• Why no proper discussion and planning among the related parties i.e. JAKOA, Jabatan Perhutanan?
• Why no estimation on this project - how much is the seedling cost, land clearance and preparation? 
• Where is the integrity among the civil servants?
• Why no project feasibility study?
• Who are the beneficial of this project? 
• ... and the queries and ???? continuesss .......