JALONG TINGGI ISSUES

My periodic visits to Jalong Tinggi, discover many issues concerning the 'Orang Asal'. The 'Orang Asal' population in Jalong Tinggi consists of 10 'kampungs' is about 5,000 people. Most of them work in the nearby plantations, few are civil servants and majority do their own job. They still depends on the forest for living.

Refering to the 'Orang Asal' lady taken by an Indonesian man.

After consulting with the Malaysia Embassy and seeking information from the Indonesians, the chances of getting the woman back to Malaysia are slim. There are only 2 methods which are viable i.e.:

1. ask the villagers in the village where the woman is staying to make a police report so that she can be deported; or
2. ask the man bring her back

Both ways failed! No one dare to make a report while the man promised to bring her back if he has money ... the next course of action is to seek the village head help to deport the woman ... hopefully it will be successful.

Telecommunication issue

A reception tower has been put up by CELCOM but the villagers complain that the most of the Jalong Tinggi could not receive CELCOM signal. It can only received in Kampung Kenang, Kampung Langkor and Kampung Landap / Asap. 

I have watsupp the CELCOM Perak state Manager for assistance. Hopefully this issue can be settle a.s.a.p.

Housing

Most of the houses are congested. There are more than 3 families staying in a house. Every year the 'Orang Asal' seek assistance from JAKOA, District Office and Perak state government for addition houses but all not avail. Each time the 'Orang Asal' request for additional housing, the same answer given i.e. not enough allocation for new houses, will look into it, try next year, etc. 

I suggest a direct request to the Minister in-charge shall be helpful. 

Land matter

The populations are growing but the economical development projects are not expand. There are few economic development projects but only a handful of the villagers benefited by the projects. Here, again the same answer answered .... not enough land, most of the land are forest reserve, etc.

Recently bulldozers are moving into the forest reserve. A check to the Forest department shown that logging are allocated in the forest reserve. Its worried the 'Orang Asal' as their water catchment area will be effected, their hunting ground smaller and the jungle "brothers" already out to destroyed plantations. 

A mini hydro project is going to start soon, however, their pledged and promises are not fulfill yet.

PLANTUK

Referring to the recent visit by YTM Dato' Seri Yong Sofia to KOA Plantuk, I was told to look into the plead of the villagers. I visited this 'kampung' again on 31 May, 2015 meeting Ali Japar (the Village Development and Security Committee Chairman), Sirun (the UMNO branch chief) and potential Batin, Long Ghapar to verify the villages pleads. There are 5 disables and 21 divorcees. 

4 disables are elderly and a young child. The elderly need assistance for daily living. I brought 1 wheelchair to a disable. I have met them and will forward their plead to Perak Menteri Besar office for the attention of C. Sivarraajh, the Special Officer.

While the 21 divorcees plead will be forwarded to Dato' Tan Lian Hoe, the PEWANI Chair-lady. 

I was told that JAKOA has been approached but they do not have fund for these purposes. 

As a volunteer, I will do the best within my capabilities and limits, anything beyond will have to refers to the influential politicians and / or senior officers. However, so far I am glad to have fullest supports and cooperation from the Perak state government especially the Perak Menteri Besar office, Sungai Siput District Office and Penghulu Mukim Sungai Siput office.

After the meeting, my friends and I dropped by the Plantuk Hot Spring which is just at the riverside. Feeling relax, enjoy and awesome in this small hot spring.