8.1 ANTHROPOLOGY

8.1.1 The Orang Asli Community

The proposed Nenggiri HEP project in Gua Musang District in Kelantan is located in the upper Sg. Nenggiri or sometimes also known as the interior parts of Gua Musang. This part of the state is hilly and covered with virgin forests and is sparsely populated by the Orang Asli. Parts of the forests have been cleared and cultivated with commercial crops like rubber and oil palm by the state-owned Ladang Rakyat Enterprise. Timber had also been heavily harvested in the region, and although these activities were meant to generate income to the state, but it had also impacted the serene and quiet life of the Orang Asli who were tradionally dependent on the jungle product for their livelihhood. The clearing of the forest has exposed the Orang Asli to several problems like the loss of natural forest resources and livelihood.

Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA) have listed at least 18 Orang Asli settlements with a population of more than 15,000 living in the District of Gua Musang (JAKOA 2014). Most of the Orang Asli living here are Temiar. Of these 18 settlements (Table 8.1.1), three settlements, namely Pos Pulat, Kg. Kuala Wias and Pos Tohoi (Figure 8.1.1 to Figure 8.1.2) that are located close to Sungai Nenggiri have been identified to be directly impacted by the proposed dam project (Figure 8.1.3). The total population of these three villages are about 1115, cosisting of 197 household units. Table 8.1.2 shows the population distribution of these three villages. More than 80% of the population are muslims.

Pos Tohoi and Pos Pulat were developed in the 1990s as Orang Asli settlements by Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli (JHEOA) know known as JAKOA. The land on which the settlements were developed were State land and not gazetted under Orang Asli Reserved. Pos Kuala Wok was particularly developed later to relocate the inhabitants of Kg. Kuala Wias, as the area was developed for commercial plantation by the Ladang Rakyat. Only one family headed by

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Kilot refused to move to Kuala Wok, but continued to stay at Kuala Wias until today. He believes the area of Kuala Wias was his ancestral land.

The reason for JAKOA developing Pos Pulat and Pos Tohoi was to enable the government to provide better social, economics and health services to the community who were staying in the interior of Ulu Kelantan. Their previous settlements were not easily accessible by land. Both these settlements were expected to become the focal points for communities living further in the interior to get access to social and health facilities. The school in Pos Tohoi for example provides education for children from at least five (5) villages located in the interior of Ulu Kelantan.

Table 8.1.1 Orang Asli Settlements in Gua Musang (JAKOA 2015) No. Settlements Households Population 1 Pos Brooke 509 2453 2 Pos Hendrop 336 1659 3 Pos Tuel 122 630 4 Pos Lebir 155 673 5 Pos Simpor 118 713 6 Pos Hau 171 932 7 Pos Belatim 88 403 8 Pos Kuala Wok 55 92 9 Pos Blau 79 362 10 Pos Kuala Lah 38 167 11 Pos Gob 78 336 12 Pos Pulat & Kg.Kuala Wias 54 297 13 Pos Sg. Tako 6 21 14 Pos Bihai 225 1135 15 Pos Tohoi 146 595 16 RPS Balar 154 1008 17 RPS Pasik 201 1018 18 RPS Kuala Betis 410 2160 Total 2945 14654

Table 8.1.2 Population Distribution of the Impacted Settlements (Survey 2016) Name of Settlements Number of households Total Population Pos Tohoi 134 767 Pos Pulat 56 316 Kg. Kuala Wias 7 32 TOTAL 197 1115

Other Orang Asli villages in the upper region of Pos Tohoi (Sg. Perias) that are expected to be indirectly impacted by the project are Pos Gob and Kampung Bring Lama. These villages use the access road via Pos Tohoi to visit Gua Musang. Several other villages between Kuala Betis and Pos Tohoi that are located within the 5 km perimeter zone of impact are Kg. Guling, Kg. Langsat, Kg. Tinjing, Kg. Jias (A, B, C), Kg. Bawik, Kg. Seladak, Kg. Depak and

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Kg. Setawar. All these villages are part of the RPS Kuala Betis Complex that was developed in 1979. The increase of water level in Sg Nenggiri caused by the dam construction can possibly damage the crops along the river bank cultivated by the Orang Asli.

House at Pos Pulat House at Pos Pulat

Kindergarten at Pos Pulat JKKK Office at Pos Pulat

SK Pulat Football field

Figure 8.1.1 Current Settlements at Pos Pulat

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House at Pos Tohoi House at Pos Tohoi

Playground at Pos Tohoi JKKK Office at Pos Tohoi

SK Tohoi Soccer field

Figure 8.1.2 Current Settlements at Pos Tohoi

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Figure 8.1.3 The Location of Pos Pulat, Kg. Kuala Wias and Pos Tohoi.

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8.1.1 The Orang Asli of Pos Pulat, Kg. Kuala Wias and Pos Tohoi

Just like any other Orang Asli communities in Gua Musang, the people of Pos Pulat, Kg. Kuala Wias and Pos Tohoi are slowly adapting to the changes that are occurring within their environment. JAKOA has been planning and implementing development programmes for the Orang Asli in both these settlements since 1990s, and as a result, a modern way of live has slowly crept into the daily life of the Orang Asli today. So are the communities living in the RPS Kuala Betis Complex. There are several communities whos continues to depend on hill padi cultivation and collecting jungle products for their livelihood such as Pos Simpor, Kg. Tendrik of Pos Bihai, Kg. Tapai and Kg. Enching of Pos Hau, Pos Gob and last but not least is Kg. Bering Lama.

In all these settlements, the role of traditional leadership has been taken over by modern leadership introduced by JAKOA. Currently, these communities are lead by their respective village-heads called the Penghulu. The penghulu play the role of gate-keeper for his community when interacting with the government officers and outsiders. At the same time his role is also to maintain harmony in the community as well as to ensure that their customs and traditions (adat) are observed. He is respected by his community. To help them organise their community and plan for development in their settlement, a new leadership structure called JKKK (Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung) was initiated in Pos Pulat and Pos Tohoi and RPS Kuala Betis by JAKOA. The JKKK is lead by a chairman (pengerusi) and is supported by a secretary (setiausaha) and several other committee members. Their role is to conduct meetings to address issues (regarding economics, education, health, culture and security) faced by the community. The minutes of these meetings will be submited to JAKOA for further actions. Both the penghulu and the JKKK members are given monthly allowences by JAKOA.

The role of bomohs (traditional healers) are slowly dying out in this community as modern health facilities provided by the Ministry of Health are taking over. At the same time, with the introduction of Islam into the community, like in Pos Tohoi and Pos Pulat, new religious values are developed. As a result, much of the traditional practices, rituals and habits that were usually practised by the Temiar are no longer practised today. For example, hunting wild animals for food is not conducted any more, as most of the animals they ususally hunt such as primates and wild boars are forbidden to be consumed. Only those individuals who practise their traditional beliefs continue to do hunting and collect jungle products if there are opportunity for them to do so.

The introduction of new economic activities by JAKOA, like rubber tapping and banana cultivation have reduced their jungle roaming activities. The Temiar living within this zone of impact are more dependent on the products from the market for their survival. As a matter of fact, the forests where they once used to roam, hunt and collect have diminished. The Sg. Nenggiri where they used to fish is contaminated due to serious soil erosion caused by jungle clearing. The river water quality is no more suitable for drinking and washing, and the people hardly bathe in the river anymore. The people of these settlements are now enjoying water supply piped directly into their homes. Most of the cleaning and washing are now done at home. With the availability of electricity in the village, modern household gadgets like televisions and

UKM Pakarunding Sdn. Bhd. (561663-U) 8-7 THE PROPOSED NENGGIRI HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Existing Human Environment refrigerators are getting into their homes. Modern way of life is already visible in the community. Both Pos Tohoi and Pos Pulat and RPS Kuala Betis are equipped with educational facilities. The schools built in these locations are equipped with hostels to cater for the needs of students from nearby villages and trained teachers are sent to serve in the schools.

Despite the developments and changes brought unto them, the people of Pos Pulat, Pos Tohoi and Kg. Kuala Wias or even RPS Kuala Betis, remain poor and the poverty level is quite high. Table 8.1.3 indicates the level of income earned by household heads from the three settlements. About 70% of the household heads from the three settlements earn below RM500.00 monthly. The residents of RPS Kuala Betis are paid monthly dividen of RM550. This indicates that poverty is rampant among the settlers.

Table 8.1.3 Income Level of Householdheads in Pos Pulat, Pos Tohoi and Kg. Kuala Wias. Monthly Income Pos Pulat Pos Tohoi Kg. Kuala Wias Level N=56 N=134 N=7 No stable income 14 (25.0%) 17 (12.6%) 1 (14.2%) Below RM500 33 (58.9%) 69 (51.4%) 4 (57.1%) RM501-RM1000 3 (5.3%) 32 (23.8%) 1 (14.2%0 RM1001-RM2000 5 (8.9%) 15 (11.1%) 1 (14.2%) Above RM2000 1 (1.7%) 19 ( 0.7%) -

The community in RPS Kuala Betis, Pos Pulat, Kg. Wias and Pos Tohoi are not totally dependent on the forest for their survival any more. From the field surveys that we have conducted it was found that some of them have become wage earners working as labourers, bus driver and security guards. A few are pensioners and majority of them are rubber tappers and swiddeners. When asked with the question, how do they earn their living. Most of them answered, “Bekerja sendiri”, meaning most of them are self-employed. Nobody claimed that they earned their living by hunting and collecting jungle produce. Their visits to the forest are usually related to harvesting fruits during the fruit seasons and also collecting herbs, if there are any demand or request from people living in Gua Musang. In the word of Penghulu Pos Pulat, “the vilagers prefer to roam about in Gua Musang rather than go into the forest because there’s nothing much in the forest anymore”.

Table 8.1.4 shows the populatios at Pos Pulat, Pos Tahoi and Kg. Kuala Was. Table 8.1.5, 8.1.6, 8.1.7, 8.1.8, 8.1.9 and 8.1.10 shows the ages, marital, occupational, everage income, educational and land ownership among the KIR.

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Table 8.1.4 Populations of Pos Pulat, Pos Tohoi and Kg. Kuala Wias. Name of Married Sons Families Living KIR Population Villages Living Together Out Side Pos Pulat 56 14 316 - Pos Tohoi 134 25 767 23 Kg. Wias 7 4 32 -

Table 8.1.5 Ages among the KIR Name of 51 and 21-30 years 31-40 years 41-50 years Total Villages above Pos Pulat 11 15 12 18 56 Pos Tohoi 39 30 27 38 134 Wias 2 2 1 2 7 26.3% 23.8% 20.3% 29,4% 100

Table 8.1.6 Marital Status of KIR Village Married Single Widow Widower Total Pos Pulat 39 2 7 8 56 Pos Tohoi 109 - 19 6 134 Kg. Wias 3 - 4 - 7 76.6% 1.01% 15.2 7.1% 100%

Table 8.1.7 Occupational Status of KIR Occupation Pos Pulat Pos Tohoi Kg. Wias Unemployed 2 18 1 Self employee 43 82 6 Employment 5 21 - Security guard 3 5 - Cop 1 - - Penghulu 1 1 - Pengerusi JKKK 1 1 - Pension - 6 Total 56 134 7

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Table 8.1.8 Average Incomes of KIR Income Pos Pulat Pos Tohoi Kg. Wias % No income 14 17 1 17.7 Below RM500 33 69 4 53.8 RM501 –RM999 3 32 1 18.3 RM1000-RM1999 5 15 1 10.6 RM2000-RM2999 1 - - 0.5% RM3000-RM3999 - - - - RM4000 and above - 1 - 0.5%

Table 8.1.9 Educational Level of KIR Lower Upper No formal Primary Tertiary Villages Secondary Secondary Total educations School Education School School Pos Pulat 14 (25%) 29 (51.7%) 9 (16.1%) 4 (7.1%) - 56 Pos Tohoi 32 (23.8%) 73 (54.4%) 20 (14.9%) 8 (5.9%) 1 134

Kg. Wias 2 (28.5%) 5 (71.4%) - - - 7 Total % 24.3% 54.3% 14.7% 6.09% 0.5% 100%

Table 8.1.10 Land Ownership of KIR Villages Rubber farm Orchard Land Status Pos Pulat (56 hse. Head) 43 33 Tanah Adat Pos Tohoi (134 hse. Head) 90 38 Tanah Adat Kg. Wias (7 hse. Head) 6 5 Tanah Adat

In terms of educational achievements, the scenario in these settlements is not uncommon with what we usually find in Orang Asli villages throughout the country. Here, about 25% of the household heads did not have any formal education. About 53% attended primary education and about 22% reached seconadry education. Given this level of educational achievement, and coupled with the living environment in the interior, where information is limited, the Orang Asli of these settlements are seldom exposed to the latest information and development. Their perceptions towards life are very much influenced by the kind of environment and situation they are living in. They remain very simple and want a simple life. Their priorities are not about building achievements for themselves and their families, but more focused towards getting food for the survival of their families. Their orientation towards life is more geared towards fulfilling their daily needs. Because of such orientation, their values remain traditional and they prefer to remain in the environment where competition is minimal but cooperation is given priority. This is partly the reason why progress is very slow among the Orang Asli and poverty is rampant. The

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Generally, the Temiar communities we study are peaceful communities and most of them support the government. They are peace loving people. They want change and development, to enable them to have a better future. But this change and development should not be at the expanse of losing their culture and rights as the indigenous people of the country. To quote Penghulu Zainal Chali of Pos Tohoi; “Kita Orang Asli macam orang lain juga, nak bangun, nak maju tapi hak kita Orang Asli janganlah dikorban. Biarlah kita kekal jadi Orang Asli tapi maju.” Another expression of hope from Penghulu Ibrahim of Kuala Betis, “Kita sokong semua usaha kerajaan nak majukan Malaysia, tapi kita minta bangunkanlah Orang Asli bersama. Janganlah biarkan kita macam ini”.

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8.2 SOCIO-ECONOMIC

8.2.1 Introduction

The Proposed Project is located in Bertam District, Jajahan Gua Musang, Kelantan. Gua Musang consists of three districts, namely Bertam, Galas, and Chiku, whereas Bertam itself has three mukims, namely Bertam, Limau Kasturi, and Ulu Nenggiri. The socioeconomic environment study basically focuses at the existing socioeconomic components, which can be classified into several aspects such as population and its demographic composition, economic attributes of employment and income, utilities and amenities, and labour force within the Proposed Project area.

8.2.2 Population Distribution

The objectives in the population distribution study are to collate and review all available data on population in the study area, with regards to size, age, sex, and ethnic group distribution of the local population; and to describe the population settlement patterns in the study area to include geographical distribution of existing living quarters and quality of houses. The population distribution covers the areas within 5-km radius surrounding the Proposed Project area in the Mukim Bertam, District of Gua Musang. The selected villages include 25 villages (Malay Villages and Orang Asli Villages/Pos). According to the Deraf Rancangan Tempatan Jajahan Gua Musang 2020, the total population of the District of Gua Musang was 102,338 in 2015 and is expected to be 113,539 in 2020. Table 8.2.1 shows the details.

Table 8.2.1 Population of the District of Gua Musang 2010-2020. Jajahan Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Gua in 2010 in 2010 in 2015 in 2015 in 2020 in 2020 Musang Gua 39,659 42.62 43,570 42.57 48,235 42.48 Musang Chiku 32,640 35.08 35,923 35.10 39,784 35.04 Bertam 9,109 9.79 10,030 9.80 11,205 9.87 Lojing 11,638 12.51 12,816 12.52 14,315 12.61 Total 93,045 100.00 102,338 100.00 113,539 100.00 Source: Draf Rancangan Tempatan Gua Musang 2020.

The town of Gua Musang is the most populated which consist of 43,570 peoples (2015) and is expected to increase to 48,235 peoples (2020) due to the industrial development which attracted more people to migrate to other subdistricts such as Bertam and Lojing (Table 8.2.1).

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8.2.5 Existing Settlements in the Study Area (the Impacted Zone)

There are 33 villages which are Malay and Orang Asli village involved in the affected area within 5 km radius of the Proposed Project as indicated in the section landuse in Chapter 6. These lists are based on the JUPEM Topographic Map 2016. Based on JAKOA Gua Musang, there are fourteen (14) Orang Asli villages within 5 km radius of the Proposed Project as indicated in the previous Anthropology section in this chapter. Most of them are located at the upstream of the Proposed Project. On the other hand, most of Malay village are located at the downstream of the re-regulating dam.

Based on the study conducted, there are three (3) villages which are directly received impact from the Proposed Project which are Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat and Kg. Wias. There are 1,115 of total population will be relocated to the nearby and safer place (subjected to the TNB, Orang Asli and Kelantan State Government agreement).

Orang Asli village on the northern part (upper site of Pos Tohoi) of the Proposed Project are expected to be indirectly effected as their access road to the Gua Musang town through Pos Tohoi will be inundated. Along Sg. Nenggiri river bank, there are crops and rubber plantation owned by the villagers possibly damage due to the increasing of water level during impoundment. There are some villagers in Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat, Sg. Star, Kg Pulau Setelu, Kg. Tool etc. conducted fishing activities as their source of living. There is also sand mining activity running by Leong Fatt Company near Kg. Star at the proposed re-regulating dam.

8.2.3 Socioeconomic Survey

A socio-economic survey was carried out in March, 2017 aimed at gauging the awareness and perception of the community within 5 km radius that circumscribes the outer boundary of impact zone of the Proposed Project. The survey area includes 25 villages/Pos covering the Malay villages and the Orang Asli villages/Pos. There are ten Malay villages that include Kg. Asam, Kg. Chegar Atas, Kg. Dusun Pinang, Kg. Kg. Kala, Kg. Kuala Betis, Kg. Kuala Tool, Chegar Atas, Kg. Perak, Kg. Setelu, Kg. Star, and Kg. Tool. Meanwhile, there are 15 Orang Asli villages/Pos to include among others Kg. Bering, Kg. Bering Lama, Pos Pasik. The details are shown in Table 8.2.2. Figure 8.2.1 shows the settlement areas located within close vicinity around 5-km radius to the Project Site.

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Table 8.2.2 Distribution of Villages/Pos within 5-km Radius from the Proposed Project Site Cumulative Village/Pos Frequency Percentage Percentage Malay villages Kg. Asam 7 2.2 2.2 Kg. Chegar Atas 8 2.5 4.7 Kg. Dusun Pinang 13 4.1 8.8 Kg. Kala 13 4.1 12.9 Kg. Kuala Betis 64 20.0 32.9 Kg. Kuala Tool 1 0.3 33.2 Kg. Perak 11 3.4 36.6 Kg. Setelu 21 6.6 43.2 Kg. Star 27 8.4 51.6 Kg. Tool 24 7.5 59.1 Orang Asli villages/Pos Kg. Bering 5 1.6 60.7 Kg. Bering Lama 4 1.3 62.0 Kg. Guling 2 0.6 62.6 Kg. Jias C 2 0.6 63.2 Kg. Depak 1 0.3 63.5 Kg. Lah 8 2.5 66.0 Kg. Kuala Wok 18 5.6 71.6 Kg. Langsat 2 0.6 72.2 Kg. Pasik 17 5.3 77.5 Pos Pasik 3 0.9 78.4 Kg. Pulat 34 10.6 89.0 Kg. RPS Kuala Betis 2 0.6 89.6 Kg. Seladak 2 0.6 90.2 Kg. Teranik 2 0.6 90.8 Kg. Tohoi 29 9.1 100.0 TOTAL 320 100.0

The primary data were gathered through a questionnaire survey directed towards 320 respondents who were mainly heads of households. The respondents were selected randomly using a purposive sampling technique. The secondary data mainly comprise published data from the Draf Rancangan Tempatan Gua Musang 2020, which provides some general information on the study area.

A random interview and questionnaire survey of 320 household respondents was conducted, covering the living quarters of Kg. Asam (7 respondents), Kg. Bering (5 respondents), Kg. Bering Lama (4 respondents), and Kg. Chegar Atas (8 respondents). Due to the importance of the study area in terms of location to the Proposed Project site, Kg. Kuala Betis (64) Kg. Pulat (34), Kg. Star (27), and Kg. Tohoi (29) were given more focus with coverage of almost 50% of the sample size. Figure 8.2.1 shows that 48.1% of the respondents are from this area.

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25

20

15

10

5

0

Kg Lah

Kg Star

Kg Kala

Kg Tool

Kg Pulat

Kg Pasik

Kg Asam

Kg Tohoi

Kg Perak

Kg Jias C

Pos Pasik

Kg Setelu Kg

Kg Depak Kg

Kg Guling

Kg Bering

Kg Seladak

Kg Langsat

Kg Kuala Tool

Kg Kg Teranik

Kg Kuala Betis

Kg Chegar Atas

Kg Bering Lama

Kg Dusun Pinang Kg Kg Kuala Wok Betis Kuala RPS Kg Figure 8.2.1 Distribution of Villages within 5-Km Radius from the Proposed Project Site

A general breakdown of the age group is shown in Figure 8.2.2, which shows that those between 25 – <55 years old account for 69.0% of the respondents, and most of them are within the labour force. While many efforts were made to find the older respondents, the consultants managed to get only 21.0% of the respondents aged above 55. The main reason is that older people had decided to move out to live with their children elsewhere, or were not at home during the survey.

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<20 20-<25 25-<30 30-<35 35-<40 40-<45 45-<50 50-<55 55-<60 60-<65 65+

1%

7% 9% 8% 6% 16%

11% 10%

9% 9% 14%

Figure 8.2.2 The Age Distribution of Respondents

8.2.4 The Survey Results a) Demographic Background In terms of ethnicity, the respondents are predominantly Malays as they make up about 59 % of the total respondents who were interviewed, and 41 % Orang Asli of the population who reside in those residential areas (Figure 8.2.3). However, these percentages are not indicative of the racial distributions of the area as such, but are only confined to within the boundary of this study. It also indicates that the Malays who lived here are quite tolerant to the environmental changes resulting from activities which involve the environment.

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Orang Asli

Figure 8.2.3 Ethnic Distribution of the Respondents

In terms of marital status, 84.4% of those interviewed were married, 6.6% were divorced or separated, living alone or with children, and 9.0% declared themselves as bachelors. b) Economic Characteristics

Main Occupation Economically, in terms of nature of occupation, the majority of the respondents work as farmers (25%), followed by hard labour (25%), self-employed (21.87%), traders (15.63%) and others to include government servants (2.50%), private sector (6.25%), fishermen (3.75%). Figure 8.2.4 and Table 8.2.3 show the details. The fishermen are normally live along Sg. Nenggiri such as at Kg. Setelu, Kg. Setar and Kg. Tool.

2.5 3.75 6.25 21.87

25

25

15.63

Self-employed Farmers Traders Hard labour Private sector Government servant River Fishermen

Figure 8.2.4 Main Occupation of the Respondents

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Table 8.2.3 Main occupations of the respondents Occupation Frequency Percentage Self-employed 70 21.87 Farmers 80 25.00 Traders 50 15.63 Hard labour 80 25.00 Private sector 20 6.25 Government servant 8 2.50 Others 12 3.75 Total 320 100.00

Income of the Respondents The average monthly income for the household head is shown in Table 8.2.4 and Figure 8.2.5 which indicate that majority of the household head obtain less than RM1000 per month (68%). Those who reportedly receive between RM1000.00 –< RM1500.00 accounted for 15%, and 17.0% of those interviewed acknowledged having an income above RM1500.00 monthly.

Table 8.2.4 Monthly Income of the Respondents Category of Income Frequency Percentage

The surveyed respondent are mainly from the low income group, and this indication was observed from the type of vehicles utilised by them. Another indication is from the electrical appliances found in their homes, which are often indicative of their purchasing power and disposable income. In terms of average monthly expenditure, majority of the respondents spend less than RM1000.00 per month (87.8%), and only 12.2% spend more than RM1000 per month (Figure 8.2.6).

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250

200

150

100 Frequency Percentage 50

0

Figure 8.2.5 Average Monthly Income of the Respondents

300 281 Frequency 250 Percentage

200

150

100 87.81

50 23 7.19 7 2.18 1 0.31 0 0 8 2.5 0

Figure 8.2.6 Average Monthly Expenditure of the Respondents

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Educational Level The educational level for the respondent at Malay villages are mainly primary education, while other villagers are mainly with no formal education. However, their children can be at high school, colleges and universities or had graduated and working elsewhere. Table 8.2.5 and Figure 8.2.7 shows the educational level of respondents.

Table 8.2.5 Educational Level of the Respondents Educational Level Frequency Percentage No formal education 34 10.62 Primary school 149 46.56 Lower secondary school 76 23.75 Upper secondary school 57 17.81 Diploma/Degree 4 1.26 Total 320 100

Frequency Percentage

149

76 57 46.56 34 23.75 17.81 10.62 4 1.26

No formal Primary school Lower secondary Upper secondary Diploma/Degree education school school

Figure 8.2.7 Educational Status of the Respondents

Mobility and Migration Most of the respondents are local people (within Kelantan). Approximately, 4% of the respondents had been living in the area less than twenty years, while 60% had lived for 20 to 30 years, and 36.0% had been in the area more than 30 years (Figure 8.2.8).

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<10 years 10-<20 years 20-<30 years 30-<40 years 40-<50 years 50+ years

15% 9% 9%

17%

25%

25%

Figure 8.2.8 Period of Stay of the Respondents

Most of the respondents are from within Kelantan State (97.82%) and the rest are from other states including Pahang (0.63%), Perak, Selangor, Terengganu, Johor and Thailand (with 0.31% each), respectively. Figure 8.2.9 shows the details. Out-migration is very rare in the area and in- migration is also very little. The in-migration is usually from within the districts in Kelantan.

400 313 300

200 97.82

100 0.63 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.31 2 1 1 1 1 1

Frequency/Percentage 0 Frequency Percentage

Figure 8.2.9 Places of Origin of the Respondents

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Land Ownership With regards to the land status, only 80.0% had the land title, while others were on government land or property, or living on inherited land (20%). Most of the respondents lived in their own houses (87.5%) and only 5.32% live in their rented houses, and these are mainly among the young ones in the working age group. The survey reveals that 75.9% of the houses are in moderate conditions, while some are very well kept. Figure 8.2.10 shows the details of the house ownership.

280 300 250 200 87.5 150 Frequency

100 5.32 7.18 23 50 17 Percentage 0 Own Houses Rented Others House

Figure 8.2.10 House Ownership of the Respondents

Response to the Proposed Project From the field survey, more than 75% of those interviewed agreed that the proposed dam project will bring positive benefits to the surrounding areas, especially in improving the aesthetics, the general landscape and overall living environment of the area, the traffic congestion, sanitary conditions and general wellbeing. Nevertheless, a large majority of the respondents agreed that there are going to be many advantages in having the Proposed Project development.

With regards to the impacts of the Proposed Project on their personal socio-economics, 80.0% of the respondents indicated that the Proposed Project would be very beneficial to them economically, and 20.0% had no comments or that there would be no difference made to their lives even before and after the project construction. Those who considered it as a good project were among the educated elderly people who had lived there for over 30 years. Those without comments are mainly amongst the less educated and younger age group and whose houses are not affected from the Proposed Project. In terms of bad smell or foul odour or dust, 85.0% of those interviewed mentioned that there was no problem with bad odour and dust generally, and 15.0% mentioned that there would be some dust and noise, especially during the construction and operation stages. Figure 8.2.11 shows the details.

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100 85 80 60 40 15

Percentage % 20 0 Yes No

Figure 8.2.11 Expected Smell Flows of Bad Odour from the Proposed Project

It was mentioned by the respondents that the Proposed Project would not in any way affect their jobs (79.0%), and would not affect their income (74.0%). In fact, the Proposed Project would open up the job opportunities, especially at the unskilled and general work level for some of them.

Most of the respondents (70%) mentioned that the Proposed Project would not adversely affect their living standards and also those who are not doing any business mention that it would not affect their job opportunities at all (79.0%). The respondents also mentioned that their economic activities will go on as usual. Approximately 60.0% of those interviewed mentioned that their livelihood would, in many ways better off after the establishment of the Proposed Project. These are especially among the stall owners and those doing petty trading, who get better due to the better living environment and the influx of workers and newcomers. The general response on the Proposed Project is summarized in Table 8.2.6.

Table 8.2.6 General Responses to the Proposed Project % of Response General comments on the Proposed Project by respondents 60% Proposed Project will not affect them in any way 64% Proposed Project will not affect their income 60% Proposed Project will not adversely affect their living standard 69% Proposed Project will not affect their job opportunities 50% Proposed Project will improve their livelihood significantly 57% Have no issue with water pollution from the Proposed Project 15% May create some diseases due to the rubbish/dumping 15% May create flooding in their village 20% The Orang Asli community will be disturbed 20% Damage to the forest

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In terms of other impacts such as water pollution due to the Proposed Project, many agreed that water pollution, especially to the nearby villages was not a big issue, and so was dust. From the interview, more than 67.0% indicated that there would be no major issue with water pollution arising from the Proposed Project discharge. However, some 33% have no opinion, whilst there were some respondents who gave the opinion that there might be diseases associated with the Proposed Project but could not indicate or justify any instances of cases where this could occur among the communities living here, hence it was probably mere speculation.

The communities in the study areas mentioned no major or adverse impacts on their general health and safety. Issues with regard to accidents, noise, area tranquillity, air borne diseases, water borne diseases, and other dangerous impacts were too minimal or totally negligible. Some were even surprised that the consultant and enumerators asked them questions like these. To summarise the responses obtained, Table 8.2.7 provides a hierarchy of the responses on improvements to the general living conditions indicated by those surveyed.

Table 8.2.7 Hierarchy of Response on Impacts of the Proposed Project to the General Living Improvements Hierarchy of General living improvements after the project development Response 1 No serious bad smell 2 No serious water pollution 3 No unsightly view of pollution (visual pollution) 4 No worries about infections from secondary exposure 5 No fear of children exposed to polluted water 6 The scheduled waste is taken care of, so it would not affect the environment 7 Area will be more developed and more systematic 8 An increase in the value of land and property in the area 9 Better business opportunities due to greater influx of dwellers 10 Attract tourists

8.2.5 Public Dialogue

Introduction The public dialogue was held on 17th of July, 2017 at Masjid Kg. Pulau Setelu, Gua Musang, Kelantan. The dialogue also allow an interaction with stakeholders in an informal safe environment in which ethical issues can be explored and participants will have an opportunity to voice their say, be listened to and taken notice of.

Fifty-five (55) participants from 10 villages namely Kg. Sg. Niroh, Kg. Gua Air, Kg. Pulau Setelu, Kg. Kuala Lah, Kg. Star, Kg. Kuala Tol, Kg. Kala, Kg. Tool, Kg. Perak, and Kg. Bentang Batu attended the public dialogue as well as the representatives from TNB and UKMP.

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Figure 8.2.12 Pictures around the Event

Issues Raised by Participant During the questions and answers session, Nor Ashikin Mohd Nor from Pos Pulat disagree with the proposed project if their village will be inundated because they do not have any place for farming. Mostly people who were relocated here due to the flood in 2014. Other questions such as providing new place for freshwater fish pond (Mohamad Hafiz Farihan Hussin), Mr Tee Kai Siang regarding the sand mining by the Syarikat Leong Fatt, and Ali bin Lateh, who represent others in terms of impacts on environment, Orang Asli roaming areas, recruitment of foreigners, inundated land, and suitable compensation. Other related questions especially with regards to socioeconomics such as job opportunities, income and migration were also being raised by the participant.

With regards to the sand mining activity, the company operates legally with the registered licensed and owned by Mr Tee Kau Siang with the company named as Syarikat Leong Fatt (Registered number: KT 0041515 T). The mining activity had been started since 1983 till now. The company employed 8 employees with 1 Thai, 2 Chinese, 3 Indonesian and 2 Malays. It was located near the Kg. Star which is downstream of the proposed re-regulating dam. According to the income from sand mining in 2017, the company earned to the amount of RM1.376 million, which is RM1.020 million of invoice sales and RM0.356 million of cash sales.

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Figure 8.2.13 Views from Sand Mining Site

By far, recurring noise is going to be the most frequent complaints by the residents especially during operation and the consequences after that. Air quality/dust is another residents’ perspective in the dialogue. Some residents talked about the possible adverse impact from the dust during construction due to the movement of vehicles transporting construction materials.

Figure 8.2.14 Questions and Answers Session

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8.2.6 Focus Group Discussion

Introduction The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is needed in order to response to the public complaints. A specific focus group, together with TNB Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the residents in Kuala Betis, have been conducted. The focus group included TNB, UKMP, Kuala Betis RPS village heads, and RPS Manager of Gua Musang District. The discussion last for two (2) hours starting from 2.30 pm till 4.30 pm on Sunday, 2017 at JAKOA Office in Kuala Betis.

FGD is seemed to be the most effective approach in community engagement with regards to the proposed project because respondents can participate directly and openly in the discussion with the project proponent and consultants. In fact they can exchange ideas among them before interact with the related consultants and researchers.

Mr Fauzan Hamzah from TNB explained the purpose of having FGD with the special group of residents from RPS Kuala Betis regarding the Proposed NHEP, followed by Mr Hasan Mat Nor from UKMP with detailed explanation to include the relocation of the impacted Orang Asli, the compensation, sensitive issues with impacts and proper mitigating measures.

With regards to the job availability during pre-construction, construction, and operation, local people will be hired especially for general workers and hard labour and an enhancement of local employment opportunity would only benefit locals if they were eventually hired in the construction activities. This aspect was really attracting their interest and deserving local workers and contractors should be given some priority in the hiring process. Admittedly, this issue can be a contentious one since it is also in the interest of the project proponent to hire competent workers and contractors. Local workers and contractors who do not meet the project proponent’s competency requirement should not be hired just because they are local. Some balance is needed in this respect where the need of both parties must somehow be achieved.

The creation of jobs and increased commercial activities during construction, are considered as an enhancement in terms of socio-economic impact. Workers, local traders and businesses must be made aware of the employment and business opportunities provided by project. Local businesses and communities should be duly informed of these opportunities through established channels of communication (e.g. through village heads, residents association and business representatives).

After listening to the very detailed explanation together with the benefits of the project, all participants agreed to the proposed project. It seemed that everybody is happy and looking forward for the proposed project.

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Figure 8.2.15 Pictures around the Discussion

8.2.5 Overall Evaluation and Inferences

The socioeconomic survey was conducted, covering as wide exposure as possible, gearing to obtain the responses of the locals to the Proposed Project. As an overall evaluation, it can be safely concluded that the socioeconomic survey carried out at the premises mentioned above indicates the people are generally happy with the Proposed Project and there are no major issues expected from the Proposed Project. In fact, the Proposed Project will bring much benefit in all aspects of their life.

Apart from the much improved public environmental acquaintance, the Proposed Project will be a contributing factor to the altered economic landscape, especially in the general public attractions and investors’ confidence to these parts of Gua Musang. The Proposed Project is also associated with escalation of property prices and rentals of residential units. It is possible that with the continued trend, Gua Musang town will become more developed, mushrooming with the business and economic activities that can attract people from all walks of life to the area.

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8.3 PUBLIC HEALTH

8.3.1 Health Impact Assessment

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) aims to identify the existing sanitation and disease burden of the exposed communities, to identify and characterise the potential hazards from the Proposed Project and to suggest its mitigation measures, if any. All potential impacts, particularly from the ambient air and noise modelling are also being incorporated. The study is conducted according to the Guidance of HIA in the EIA Document, DOE Malaysia (2013).

The Proposed Project is located in the district of Gua Musang within the state of Negeri Kelantan. As the whole, the state has a higher annual population growth rate and population density compared to the national rate (Table 8.3.1). This will guarantee the supply of manpower for the Proposed Project during all phases of its development. The total number of population in Gua Musang is about 114,500.

The life expectancy for Kelantan people is only slightly shorter compared to the national year. This indicates that the state needs further improvement for the present health care system, particularly in accessibility and equality due to distance and huge socioeconomic gap among the people. The issue is supported by records of higher death rates among mothers and children. However, the crude birth rate is higher than the national average that requires some interventions such as the family planning programme to achieve a lower death rate.

Comparing the basic amenities that are available, Kelantan has a better rate of achievement for coverage of electricity supply and sanitary toilet facilities compared to the national statistics, except for safe drinking water supply. The use of well water and other surface water supply may expose the people to food and water borne diseases like typhoid and cholera. In fact, the state has poorer rural garbage collection system compared to the national statistics. This may increase open burning activities, and certainly, uncollected waste would provide a good breeding ground for disease vectors/carriers.

8.3.2 Existing Health Care Services

The district is served by the Gua Musang Hospital that is equipped with 34 beds with moderate occupancy rate of 66.4% (Figure 8.3.1). This indicates that the hospital is not congested and receives quite a small number of in-patients of about 7600 patients every month. The hospital provides emergency services, out-patient and in-patient care. Since it is a non-specialist hospital, any complicated cases will be referred to Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II in Kota Bharu, which is about 180 km away. Even though it is located at quite a considerable distance away, the road network between the two towns is very good and well paved all the way.

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Table 8.3.1 Comparison of Health Indicators between Kelantan and Malaysia (2015) Parameter Kelantan Malaysia Mid-year population estimates (population) 1,760,600 31,186,100 Annual population growth rate (percent) 1.9 1.3 Population density (people per square km) 114 93 Life expectancy (year) Male 69.0 72.5 Female 75.1 77.2 Crude Birth Rate (per 1000 population) 22.0 16.7 Crude Death Rate (per 1000 population) 6.1 4.8 Neonatal mortality rate (per 1000 live births) 5.7 3.9 Infant mortality rate (per 1000 live births) 8.4 6.2 Maternal mortality ratio (per 100000 live births) 29.2 22.7 Water supply (%): Piped Urban 61.3 97.1 water in house Rural 65.1 92.6 Electricity supply (%): Urban 100.0 99.9 Rural 99.8 99.3 Sanitary toilet (%): Urban 100.0 99.0 Rural 98.8 95.8 Present of garbage Urban 95.8 91.1 collection facilities (%): Rural 62.8 71.6 Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia (2016)

The area is served by the Klinik Kesihatan Gua Musang with several rural clinics under it. The clinic provides the necessary main health care services such as maternal and child health clinic, out-patient clinic and dental clinic, together with inspectorate units for vector and food borne diseases prevention and control. There are about 12 rural clinics around the area, giving maternal and child health care as their main function.

Figure 8.3.1 Entrance to the Gua Musang Hospital

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8.3.3 Existing Burden of Diseases

8.3.3.1 Airborne Diseases

Tuberculosis is one of the airborne communicable diseases that have high spread and virulence type of characteristics. It is one of the notifiable diseases in Malaysia. In 2015, Kelantan had a lower incidence rate than Malaysia (Figure 8.3.2). The incidence rate for Kelantan was about 71.8 cases per 100 000 populations, compared to Malaysia with 79.4 cases per 100 000. This showed that the health prevention and control programme in the states are effective. Appertaining to the district of Gua Musang, there were 93 new tuberculosis cases that had been notified to the district health agency compared to 1218 cases for the whole state in 2016. This gave about 7.6% of the incidence rate for Kelantan last year. There were about 49 cases of influenza A in 2015, but none in 2016 for the state of Kelantan.

82

80

78 79.45 76

74

72

Incidence rate Incidence 0 000 population) 0 000 70

(10 71.76 68

66 Kelantan Malaysia

Tuberculosis

Figure 8.3.2 The Incidence Rate (Per 100 000 Population) of New Tuberculosis Cases for Kelantan Compared with Malaysia, 2015 Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

8.3.3.2 Vector-borne diseases

Most of the communicable diseases in Malaysia are categorised as vector-borne diseases. These include dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever, malaria, leptospirosis and scrub typhus. In Malaysia, dengue fever is the most troublesome vector-borne health ailment. The trend is fluctuating and unpredictable, that involves urban and rural areas. Nevertheless, the number of cases in Kelantan is lower than the national figures for all particular diseases except for leptospirosis.

The number of dengue fever cases in Kelantan was actually increasing from 2790 to 6088, in 2015 and 2016, respectively. For Gua Musang district, there were only 39 cases of dengue fever with a single case of dengue haemorrhagic fever. The number seen at the district level is quite low, but cannot be left without any control. For other vector borne diseases, there were 40 cases

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(36.1%) for malaria in Gua Musang compared to 111 cases for the whole Kelantan for 2016. There were 1957 cases of leptospirosis with 18 deaths in 2015. However, in 2016, the number had reduced to 858 cases with eight death cases of leptospirosis in Kelantan while among Gua Musang people, about 62 cases of leptospirosis were notified that gave about 7.2% of total leptospirosis in the state. The disease normally occurs by direct contact with wildlife body fluids like faeces or urine at farms. The state and Gua Musang district were free from typhus in 2015 and 2016. Figure 8.3.3 shows the comparative incident rate for vector borne disease between Kelantan and Malaysia.

450 392.96 400

350

300

250

200 165.29

150 113.84

Incidence rate Incidence 100

(100 000 population) 000 (100 50 27.2 0.58 3.14 0 3.41 7.58 0.01 0 Kelantan Malaysia

DF DHF Malaria Leptospirosis Typhus

DF = Dengue fever; DHF = Dengue haemorrhagic fever Figure 8.3.3 Comparative Incidence Rates for Vector Borne Diseases between Kelantan and Malaysia, 2015 Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

8.3.3.3 Food and Water Borne Diseases

As one of the developing countries, Malaysia still faces health problems due to food and water borne diseases like cholera, dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis A, all of which are faecal-oral infections. However, the occurrences of those diseases are relatively lesser in Kelantan compared to Malaysia except for typhoid and hepatitis A (Figure 8.3.4). The state and Gua Musang district are free from cholera for two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016. There were two and three cases of dysentery notified in Kelantan for 2015 and 2016, respectively. The district of Gua Musang is spared from dysentery.

Unfortunately, the rate of typhoid cases in Kelantan is relatively high. In 2016, there were 57 cases of typhoid cases in Kelantan, which was lower than for the year 2015 (182 cases). For Gua Musang, there were only two cases of typhoid in 2015 and no single case at all in 2016. For hepatitis A, the number had decreased from 14 to one case in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Gua Musang had no case of hepatitis A recorded in 2016.

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On the other hand, Kelantan had a lower rate of food poisoning compared to the national rate in 2015 (Figure 8.3.5). There were about 584 cases of food poisoning in 2015 in the state, and the number of cases had increased further in 2016 up to 1052. The district of Gua Musang recorded 75 cases (7.1%) of food poisoning in 2016.

12 10.59 10

8

6

4

Incidence rate Incidence

(100 000 population) 000 (100 1.42 2 0.81 0.8 0.12 0.41 0.36 0 0 Kelantan Malaysia

Cholera Dysentery Typhoid Hepatits A

Figure 8.3.4 The Incidence Rate (Per 100 000 Pop) for Selected Diseases in Kelantan Compared to Malaysia, 2015 Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

50 47.34 45 40 33.99 35

30 25

population) 20

Incidence rate Incidence 15

(100 000 000 (100 10 5 0 Kelantan Malaysia

Food poisoning

Figure 8.3.5 The Incidence Rate (Per 100 000 Pop) for Food Poisoning in Kelantan Compared with Malaysia, 2015. Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

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8.3.3.4 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, gonorrhoea, syphilis and hepatitis C are among the important sexually transmitted illnesses (STI) that have been seen in any states in Malaysia. Kelantan had a lower incidence rate of HIV cases compared to the Malaysian rate in 2015 (Figure 8.3.6). In 2015, there were 196 number of cases and seven deaths of HIV in the state of Kelantan. The number had increased further in 2016 to 232 cases and 17 deaths. There were 12 cases of HIV in Gua Musang in 2016.

Pertaining to gonorrhoea, there were 31 and 64 cases in 2015 and 2016, respectively. There were an incremental number of cases in the last year notification. There were only four cases of gonorrhoea seen at Gua Musang in 2016.

The number of syphilis cases had shown a decrimental trend from 2015 and 2016, with 79 and 70 cases, respectively. There were only eight cases of syphilis treated at Gua Musang in 2016.

However, the incidence rate for Hepatitis C notification in Kelantan was relatively higher compared to the national figure in 2015, with about 87 acute hepatitis C infections in Kelantan. It was increasing last year to 165 cases in the whole state, and for the Gua Musang area, the notified cases were only 22 cases (13.3%).

14 12.51 12 10.92 9.84 10

7.53 8 6.91 6 6 4.6 4

Incidence rate Incidence 1.8

(100 000 population) 000 (100 2

0 Kelantan Malaysia Total HIV Gonococcal Syphilis Hepatitis C

Figure 8.3.6 The Incidence Rate (Per 100 000 Pop) for Selected Sexually Transmitted Diseases Notified in Kelantan Compared with Malaysia, 2015. Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

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8.3.3.5 Other Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are normally due to poor and unhygienic conditions and through direct contact. Kelantan had a lower incidence rate of leprosy, and measles cases compared to Malaysia in 2015 (Figure 8.3.7). There were five cases of leprosy and 24 cases of measles in Kelantan in 2015, respectively. However, in 2016, the notified cases were increased up to eight and 39 cases of both diseases. Fortunately, Gua Musang was spared from both diseases in 2016.

The state had no case of viral encephalitis in 2015, but recorded one case in 2016 that was notified in the district of Tanah Merah. The district of Gua Musang was free from viral encephalitis in 2016. Hand, foot mouth disease (HFMD) is also present in Kelantan, but is well controlled (Figure 8.3.8). However, the cases had increased to 983 notifications in 2016. There were about 36 cases of HFMD seen in Gua Musang in 2016. The disease is normally due to poor hygiene at the nursery and primary schools.

5 4.5 4.32

4

3.5 3 2.5 2

Incidence rate Incidence 1.4 1.5

(100 000 population) 000 (100 1 0.69 0.5 0.29 0 0.12 0 Kelantan Malaysia

Leprosy Measles Encephalitis

Figure 8.3.7 The Incidence Rate (Per 100 000 Pop) for Selected Diseases in Kelantan Compared to Malaysia, 2015 Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

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80 74.09 70

60

50 40 30

20 13.56

Incidence rate Incidence 10

(100 000 population) 000 (100 0 Kelantan Malaysia

HFMD

Figure 8.3.8 The Incidence Rate (Per 100 000 Pop) for Selected Diseases in Kelantan Compared to Malaysia, 2015 Source: Health Informatics Centre, Malaysia, 2016

8.3.3.6 Conclusion

In conclusion, Kelantan is among the underdeveloped states in Malaysia with relatively higher rates of mortality among mothers and children compared to the national rates. The state is also lacking in basic amenities, especially safe drinking water in certain areas.

In view of this, the state and the Gua Musang district have a significant number of tuberculosis, dengue fever, leptospirosis, typhoid, and hepatitis C cases. The present disease burden may be compromised further with poor housekeeping and unfit health status of incoming workers from other districts or countries. These health problems require consistent surveillance and monitoring by the health agencies and integrated management with other offices.

8.3.4 Health Risk Assessment

In this assessment, the potential health risk is evaluated from the monitoring data of the ambient air quality, and noise. The level of hazard should comply with their reference limits or standards.

8.3.4.1 Sampling points

There are five monitoring points for the Proposed Project. All points are in the villages located within the zone of impact (Table 8.3.2). The similar location is shared between air and noise monitoring exercises.

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8.3.4.2 Hazard identification and dose respond

From scoping, few air pollutants are potentially emitted into the ambient air during the construction of the proposed hydro dam and due to decaying process of leftover trunks in the water.

The pollutants are total suspended particles and particulate matter 10µm (PM10), sulphur dioxides (SO2), nitrogen dioxides (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). None of the pollutants are carcinogens. Therefore, their health impacts are characterised based on hazard quotient for each pollutant. Later, the cumulative hazard quotient (hazard index) at each station or point is determined and it should not be more than one for it to be considered as safe and free from health impact. Table 8.3.2

Noise is another potential hazard of the Proposed Project, especially during its construction. The present limit should comply with the Planning Guidelines for Environmental Noise Limits and Control (Table 8.3.4). Particularly for this Proposed Project, those sampling points are located within the Orang Asli villages that are classified as low density residential areas.

Table 8.3.2 Location of the Sampling Points for Air Quality and Noise No. Sampling point Location 1 ANV1 Nearby to Kg. Setar 2 ANV2 Nearby to Kg.Pasir Mayat 3 ANV3 Nearby to Kg. Pulau Setelu 4 ANV4 Kg. Chegar Atas 5 ANV5 Kg. Tool

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Table 8.3.3 Potential Air Pollutants of the Proposed Project with Their Respective Limits and Health Impacts Pollutant concentration (µg/m3) for ambient air Health No. Pollutant Health Impacts Referral Exposure Limit Limit Reference  Particulate matters are capable of provoking respiratory system irritation, with the release of mediators causing exacerbations of lung disease and increasing blood coagulability in Malaysian susceptible individuals. Ambient Air  This ultra-fine particulate may mediate 100.0 Quality some of the adverse health effects 1 PM (24-hours 10 Standards 2013 reported in which there is toxicologic average) (Interim Target evidence to support this contention. 2020)  Oxidative stress is also to be anticipated, which augmented by oxidants generated by recruiting inflammatory leukocytes producing atheromatous plaques form in the coronary arteries, which one of the causes of death.

 Inhalation of SO2 by asthmatics can cause a significant degree of wheezing at concentrations considerably lower than Malaysian those which affect non-asthmatics. Ambient Air Sulphur 250  Concentrations as low as 0.2 ppm have a Quality 2 Dioxide (1-hour significant effect, especially in subjects Standards 2013 (SO2) average) who are mouth breathing or undergoing (Interim Target heavy exercise. 2020)  The effects appear to be short-lived and not increased by more prolonged exposure.

 Acute exposure to NO2 cause pulmonary edema, pneumonitis, bronchitis, and Malaysian bronchiolitis obliterans. Ambient Air 280  It’s considered as relatively insoluble, Nitrogen Quality 3 (1-hour reactive gas, such as phosgene and dioxide Standards 2013 average) ozone. (Interim Target  Many deaths from pulmonary oedema 2020) have been induced by acute inhalation of

high concentrations of NO2.

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Pollutant concentration (µg/m3) for ambient air Health No. Pollutant Health Impacts Referral Exposure Limit Limit Reference Malaysian  Exposure to carbon monoxide can occur Ambient Air through inhalation of the gas and eye or 30000 Carbon Quality skin contact with the liquid. 4 (1-hour monoxide Standards 2013  Inhalation of this asphyxiant gas causes average) (Interim Target tissue hypoxia by preventing the blood 2020) from carrying sufficient oxygen. California  Exposure to low concentrations of Ambient Air hydrogen sulphide may cause irritation to Quality the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also Standards 2012 cause difficulty in breathing for some (The standard asthmatics. is made as  High concentrations of hydrogen sulphide reference due (greater than 700 mg/m3) may cause Hydrogen 42 to no reference loss of consciousness. 5 sulphide (1-hour limit for

(H2S) average) Hydrogen

Sulphide (H2S) in Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Standards 2013 (Interim Target 2020))

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Table 8.3.4 Planning Guidelines for Environmental Noise Limits and Control Day Time Night Time Receiving Land Use Category (7am to (10pm to 10pm) 7am) Noise Sensitive Areas, Low Density Residential, Institute 50 dBA 40 dBA (School, Hospital), Worship Areas. Suburban Residential (Medium Density) Areas, Public 55 dBA 45 dBA Spaces, Parks, Recreational Areas. Urban Residential (High Density) Areas, Designated Mixed 60 dBA 50 dBA Development Areas (Residential - Commercial). Commercial Business Zones 65 dBA 55 dBA Designated Industrial Zones 70 dBA 60 dBA Source: DOE, Malaysia

8.3.4.3 Air and Noise Quality Measurement Results

For each station, five parameters are monitored, i.e. PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and H2S. (Table 8.3.5). All parameters are compared with the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Standards (MAAQS) 2020 except for H2S that used California Ambinet Air Standard 2012. The cumulative hazard quotient or hazard index (HI) for each station is not more than one. Therefore, there is no substantial health risk among the exposed communities by the present ambient air.

However, the monitoring showed that the areas are considered as high background noise areas (Table 8.3.6). Only Kg. Pasir Mayat and Kg. Pulau Setelu have good daytime noise levels. However, at night those villages have noise levels of more than the limit of 40 dBA. Other villages have high day and night time noise levels. The high background noise might be due to fauna sound or nearby human activities. For the Proposed Project, its construction and operation noise should not exceed the second limits as it may induce noise nuisance to the nearby communities (Table 8.3.7).

Table 8.3.5 Sampling Points and Their Pollutant Concentrations and Hazard Index Pollutant concentration (µg/m3) Sampling point No. PM10 SO2 NO2 CO H2S HI MAAQS 100 250 280 30000 42* 1 ANV1 10 83 < 42 < 2 < 5 0.6 2 ANV2 10 83 < 42 < 2 < 5 0.6 3 ANV3 4 83 < 42 < 2 < 5 0.5 4 ANV4 10 83 < 42 < 2 < 5 0.6 5 ANV5 12 83 < 42 < 2 < 5 0.6 *California Ambient Air Standards 2012

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Table 8.3.6 Noise Stations, Location, Classification and Their Respective Limits According to the

Schedule 1 Maximum Permissible Sound Level (LAeq) by Receiving Land Use for Planning and New Development Limit: 50 dBA (day time) 40 dBA (night time) Noise Area Location station classification Day time Night time (7am to (10pm to 10pm) 7am) Rural/low ANV1 Nearby Kg. Star 52.8 45.4 population Rural/low ANV2 Nearby Kg. Pasir Mayat 50.0 50.2 population Rural/low ANV3 Nearby Kg. Pulau Setelu 48.0 52.1 population Rural/low ANV4 Kg. Chegar Atas 56.0 45.6 population Rural/low ANV5 Kg.Tool 57.2 50.9 population

Table 8.3.7 Alternative Limit for each Station due to High Background Noise (dBA) Noise Location Day time Night time station Max (Leq + 3) (Leq + 3) ANV1 Nearby Kg. Setar 55.8 48.4 ANV2 Nearby Kg. Pasir Mayat 54.6 53.2 ANV3 Nearby Kg.Pulau Setelu 52.9 55.1 ANV4 Kg. Chegar Atas 59.0 48.6 ANV5 Kg. Tool 60.2 53.9

8.3.5 Community Survey

8.3.5.1 Study Analysis In this assessment, community survey was conducted together with the socioeconomic survey. Both reports are related and need to be appraised together. Its aims to evaluate the current disease burden among the community members and their dependents. A standardised questionnaire was used during an interview with respondents who staying within five (5) km radius from the proposed project by few trained enumerators.

A total of 320 households were enrolled in this study that represents a total number of 1381 respondents and their dependents. The households are located at 22 different villages within the 5km radius zone of impact (Table 8.3.8). All information was obtained from the head of the family that aged between 20 to 78-year-old. The average age for all 1381 respondents is 49.1- year-old (SD±17. 5-year-old). This may indicate a fairly matured member of the communities.

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The majority of the households (n=290; 90.6%) have their own individual sanitary latrine (Figure 8.3.9). However, about 30 houses don’t have a proper toilet that encourages the household to defecate in the Sg. Nenggiri and its attributes. It’s obviously unhealthy and should be stopped immediately because the river is known to be used for other purposes like bathing, fishing and others. This poor hygienic behaviour poses very high potential of water borne diseases among the communities like hepatitis A, cholera, dysentery and others.

Regarding drinking water, about 255 (79.8%) of the households receive a safe pipe water supply installed inside their homes (Figure 8.3.10). Others, either shared with beside houses to a single water tap (n=29; 9.1%), use tube well (n=7; 2.2%), or collect rain water (n=3; 0.9%). However, about 26 (8.1%) of the households are currently use and depend on the Sg. Nenggiri as their drinking water source. Sharing of water supply, using of tube well and particularly using river water as options for daily consumption are a identified risk factors for the occurrence of food and water borne diseases and outbreak in any community.

Most of the domestic household (n=284; 88.7%) wastes are disposed by the respondent themselves by open burning (Figure 8.3.10). Others either they just throw the waste onto open ground surrounding their house (n=18; 5.6%), throw into the nearby river flow (n=10; 3.1%), or bury those wastes all together under the ground nearby their homes (n=8; 2.5%). The practise of open burning is certainly not healthy and may cause many health problems like respiratory and skin ailments.

On further questioning, a total of 140 (43.7%) samples claimed that either they themselves or their respondents has had felt sick or unhealthy in the past six months (Figure 8.3.11). The commonest complaints are the respiratory tract infection (33.7%), followed by dermatitis (3.1%), cardiovascular diseases (2.8%), infections (2.5%), neurological symptoms (0.9%) and cancer (0.6%). The first two health conditions are linked to environmental contamination, particularly related to the attitude of burning or burying of wastes among the majority of the households. Cardiovascular diseases were common among elderly members of the communities. As for communicable diseases, common infections seen among the communities affected are dengue fever, malaria, leptospirosis and tuberculosis. The cancer included a couple cases of leukaemia seen among the dependents.

Of those complaints, only some of them (n=22, 6.9%) got admitted in a hospital for further treatment. Infectious diseases are the most common diagnosis for the hospitalisation. These include dengue fever, malaria, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). The second common reason for hospitalisation among the respondent and their dependents are cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, congenital holes in the heart, and chest pain. No death recorded. Overall, the burden of diseases, especially those related to environmental pollution is actually occurring at a low of percentages or magnitude.

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Table 8.3.8 Name of Residential Areas Involved in the Survey of the Study (n=320) No. Name of Village Frequency Percent 1 Kg. Asam 7 2.2 2 Kg. Bering 5 1.6 3 Kg. Bering Lama 4 1.2 4 Kg. Chegar A 10 3.1 5 Kg. Dusun Pisang 13 4.1 6 Kg. Guling 2 0.6 7 Kg. Jias C 2 0.6 8 Kg. Kala 13 4.1 9 Kg. Depak 2 0.6 10 Kg. Lah 5 1.6 11 Kg. Kuala Betis 69 21.6 12 Kg. Kuala Wok 19 6.0 13 Kg. Langsat 2 0.6 14 Kg. Pasik 16 5.0 15 Kg. Perak 12 3.7 16 Pos Pulat 26 8.1 17 Kg. Seladak 2 0.6 18 Kg. Setelu 26 8.1 19 Kg. Star 35 11.0 20 Kg. Teranik 2 0.6 21 Kg. Tohoi 23 7.2 22 Kg. Tool 25 7.8 Total 320 100.0

8.3.5.2 Conclusion The study areas are healthy without any excess burden of diseases. However, there are several health risks such as the practises of the defecation in nearby water surfaces, open burning and uses of Sg. Nenggiri as sources for their drinking water that need to be managed wisely. In addition, the poor condition of the river due to current logging further makes it not suitable for any human consumption or even body contacts.

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100 90.6 80

60

40 Percentage 20 9.4 0 Toilet River Sewage disposal

Figure 8.3.9 Percentage of Sewage Disposal Methods for the Communities

100 79.8 80

60

40 Percentage

20 9.1 8.1 2.2 0.8 0 Pipe water Shared pipe Tube well Rain Water River Water supply

Figure 8.3.10 Percentage of Household’s Drinking Water Supply

100 88.7

80

60

40 Percentage 20 5.6 3.1 2.5 0 Open burning Open space River Under soil

Solid waste disposal

Figure 8.3.11 Percentage of Methods for Solid Waste Disposal among the Households

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120 108 100 80 60

40 Percentage 20 8 10 9 3 2 0

Figure 8.3.12 Frequency of Health Complaints Experienced by the Respondents and Their Dependents for the Past Six Months

8.3.7 Groundwater Quality

In view of the possibility of local people using well water as one of their options for the source of daily drinking water, the present quality of groundwater is granted. Most of the people used tube well water nearby their houses. Others collect water from nearby spring water and from open well. Groundwater samples were collected at the four locations (Table 8.3.9) and measured based on the parameters stated in the National standard for drinking water quality, 2000.

Table 8.3.9 Groundwater Sampling Sources and Locations Sample No. Source of sample Location GW1 Dug well Kg. Kala GW2 Spring Kg. Kala Baru GW3 Dug well Kg. Star Baru GW4 Tube well Ladang Sg. Terah

Most of the sampling locations have good water quality, particularly on their pH, total dissolved solids, phenols, sulphate, nitrate, chloride, cyanide, chromium, cadmium, iron, lead, aluminium, arsenic, copper, magnesium, selenium, sodium and zinc contents (Table 8.3.10). However, all samples have violated the limit of total E. coli content, which have very high of infection risk that related with diarrhoea, vomiting and food poisoning cases among the people. In addition, for GW4 (Ladang Sg. Terah), it’s mercury was slightly higher than the national standard limit. And for Kg. Kala, its content of manganese was also passed above the limit, about 20 times higher. Manganese is a neurological irritant and may cause various types of brain and mental problems. The well water at Kg. Kala is not suitable for human consumption. For others water in general, due to present of E. coli, the water must be fully boiled before can be consumed.

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Table 8.3.10 Groundwater Quality Parameters for each Station Compared with the National Standard National Standard for Drinking Parameters Units GW1 GW2 GW3 GW4 Water Quality, 2000 pH - 7.03 7.04 7.23 7.26 6.5 – 9.0 Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 584.6 424.2 444.2 444.2 1000 Total Phenols mg/L ND ND ND ND 0.002 Sulphate mg/L 3 ND 3 ND 250 Nitrate as N mg/L 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.03 10 Chloride mg/L 2 1.4 1.4 1.4 250 Cyanide mg/L ND ND ND ND 0.07 Chromium mg/L ND ND ND ND 0.05

Total Hardness as CaCO3 mg/L 213 218 187 197 500 Cadmium mg/L ND ND ND ND 0.003 Iron mg/L 0.019 0.013 ND 8.582 x10-3 0.3 Lead mg/L 0.001 0.026 x10-3 ND 0.047 x10-3 0.01 x10-3 Mercury mg/L ND 0.506 x10-3 ND 1.085 x10-3 0.001 Aluminium mg/L 0.718 1.874 x10-3 0.126 x10-3 0.300 x10-3 0.2 x10-3 Arsenic mg/L ND 0.159 x10-3 0.227 x10-3 0.117 x10-3 0.01 Copper mg/L 0.057 0.028 x10-3 0.045 x10-3 0.021 x10-3 1 x10-3 Manganese mg/L 2.009 9.767 x10-3 1.147 x10-3 0.333 x10-3 0.1 Magnesium mg/L 18 3.05 0.761 1.74 150 Selenium mg/L ND ND ND ND 0.01 Sodium mg/L 2.932 2.564 4.917 2.948 200 Zinc mg/L 0.367 0.334 x10-3 0.329 x10-3 0.394 x10-3 3 x10-3 Total Escherichia coli CFU/100 <1.8 <1.8 <1.8 <1.8 ABSENT Count mL

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8.3.8 Conclusion

The district of Gua Musang has a good health care system with sufficient facilities and adequate coverage. However, the district has potential diseases that include dengue fever, tuberculosis, leptospirosis and malaria. On the other hand, the overall burden of diseases among respondents within the zone of impact is low based on the community surveys that indicate the study areas are fairly healthy. But some of them depend on the Nenggiri River as their sewage and solid waste disposal options, which obviously unhealthy. Poor ground water quality is further required a good coverage of drinking water supply by Air Kelantan Sdn. Bhd. (AKSB) with supports of the related local authorities for both the current communities and new resettlement areas. As a precaution, more attention is needed, especially during the land clearing and construction of the proposed project, to make sure a good standard in housekeeping and medical surveillance among workers.

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8.4 ARCHAEOLOGY

The Proposed Project will involve three major stages, which are site preparation and earthwork, dam construction, maintenance and operation stages. Potential impacts that may arise from the project development include loss of important and valuable archaeological sites and archaeological context such as artifacts, ecofacts and features. The archaeological sites that have existed along the Sg. Nenggiri are considered as prehistoric sites located in caves or rock shelters of limestone formation scattered in Hulu Kelantan. There is the possibility finding a new archaeological open site associated with Neolithic settlement located on the river banks of the Sg. Nenggiri during site preparation, earthworks and dam construction.

The potential of archaeological sites being located in the vicinity of the proposed Nenggiri Dam project and along the Sg. Nenggiri have been recorded through surveys and also from data gathered from previous and past archaeological research works done in Hulu Kelantan. During the surveys, several new archaeological sites associated with prehistoric culture have been found and the impacts of the proposed dam project on the new archaeological sites are assessed and recorded (Table 8.4.1). The location and elevation of the sites were recorded using GARMIN RINO 650 GPS. Most of the sites have significant archaeological context and valuable data of artifacts, ecofacts and features such as Hoabinhian and Neolithic stone tools, cave drawings, human remains, and etc. Several new prehistoric sites that were located along the Sg. Nenggiri up to Kemiri Mountain include Gua Lembu, Gua Dala, Gua Rahmat (Pelan), Gua Keledung, Gua Cahaya (Keledung 2), Gua Lubang Kelawar (Batu Tambah), Gua Kecil (Batu Tambah 2), Gua Air, Gua Kemiri, Gua Tok Batin, Gua Perdang and Gua Kambing (Gemalah). Most of the sites have not been recorded as archaeological sites by scholars in the past due to limited access to the area and therefore, no archaeological research and excavation have ever been done at these sites.

Previous archaeological research works that were conducted by colonial and local scholars in Hulu Kelantan showed that this area has many important prehistoric sites associated with the migration and evolution of early humans that had settled in the Malay Peninsula. The most well- known and important prehistoric archaeological site in Hulu Kelantan is Gua Cha, which is located at the west bank of Sg. Nenggiri. It is about 120 meters long and 20 meters wide. It was first explored by H.D. Noone in 1935 and eight complete potteries and two graves were found. In 1954, a big scale of excavation was carried out by Sieveking and he had found some graves, stone tools and animal bones in the lower soil layer which were believed to be from Hoabinhian culture. Meanwhile, on the upper layer of the soil, some tools from Neolithic period were discovered. In 1979, Adi Taha continued the excavation utilizing more systematic and scientific methods. As a result, Adi Taha supported Sieveking’s statement that Gua Cha was separated into different layers and this cave had been used as the main burial site during both Hoabinhian and Neolithic periods, as evidenced by more than 30 complete prehistoric human skeletons that were found here.

Another cave used as a burial site is Gua Peraling, which is a dome-shaped rock shelter located on the river banks of Sg. Perias, and about 70 to 100 meters away from Kg. Tohoi. Gua Peraling was discovered by H.D. Noone, the Ethnographer from the Federated Malay States Museum,

UKM Pakarunding Sdn. Bhd. (561663-U) 8-48 THE PROPOSED NENGGIRI HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Existing Human Environment while conducting census on the Orang Asli communities in Ulu Kelantan in 1963. However, its archaeological potential was only discovered by P.D.R. William Hunt while doing security surveys in the interior of Ulu Kelantan in 1951. In 1994, Adi Taha had conducted some research and excavation works in the cave. The results from this excavation had revealed many artifacts from various cultures which can be found from the lower until upper layers of the soil. Artifacts from Hoabinhian culture comprise stone tools, food leftovers in the form of animal bones and the shells of freshwater snails identified as Brutia costulla and Ampridramus perakensis. These artifacts proved that the prehistoric people, especially the communities of hunters and food gatherers, had used this cave as a workshop for making Hoabinhian stone tools since more than 10 000 years ago. Besides that, a Hoabinhian human skeleton was also found in this excavation, but in incomplete form. This showed that the cave had been used by Hoabinhian as a burial site. Analysis from stone tools also indicates that stone tools were not much different from those found in Gua Cha.

Gua Jaya and Gua Chawan which are also located on the river banks of the Sg. Nenggiri, and more precisely, Gua Chawan is located on the right bank of Sg. Jenera, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the estuary of Sg. Nenggiri. The height of the cave is about 20 meters above the water level of Sg. Jenera. In 1963, an archeological research was carried out by Peacock and Lamb, while some research and excavation works at the cave was headed by Adi Taha in 1994- 1995. Based on the results from a survey of the surface of the cave, Peacock had found pottery sherds and stone tools from Hoabinhian culture which were mostly Sumatralith. Thus, Peacock concluded that Gua Chawan was once used by the nomadic hunters and gatherers from Hoabinhian culture as a workshop for making and shaping stone tools. Gua Jaya is a limestone massive which is located about 200 meters between Sg. Jenera and Sg. Nenggiri. It is triangular in shape, measuring about 36 meters long and 23 meters wide. In 1963, during an observation by Peacock and Lamb, they had found more than 1500 pottery sherds, blackening of the ceiling, and ash layer, thus they concluded that the cave was the locus of pottery manufacturing during those periods. However, findings during Adi Taha’s visit in 1993 were contrary to what was observed by Peacock due to the latter’s unsystematic excavation, a part of sieving through the ash deposit. There is also cave drawings in Gua Jaya and Gua Jaya 2, made from charcoals and the drawing comprises a human figure, fauna probably a tiger, and a big snake.

Gua Tagut is a limestone cave which is located at the junction of Sg. Bering and Sg. Jenera. It is approximately 500 meters from the Kuala Bering Orang Asli Temiar settlement. Research in Gua Tagut was conducted by Adi Taha in 1993 as a potential archaeological site to be studied. Although there was no artifact found by the researchers, but they had discovered some charcoal paintings in the form of human figures and animals. The paintings seemed to have similarities with the paintings in Gua Batu Cincin. Archaeologists believed that the paintings were painted by the Negrito hunters and gatherers about 100 years ago.

Gua Tampaq is a limestone cave located in Kuala Bering, which is opposite to Kg. Bering Orang Asli Temiar settlement. Research and excavation were started by Peacock and Dunn in 1963. During the excavation, they had found archaeological remains of the community of hunters and gatherers believed to be from Hoabinhian culture. Among artifacts found were pebble stone tools, either partly or fully covered with flake marks and food leftovers such as the shells of

UKM Pakarunding Sdn. Bhd. (561663-U) 8-49 THE PROPOSED NENGGIRI HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Existing Human Environment freshwater snails and animal bones. Besides that, Gua Tampaq had also been studied by Al- Rashid in 1973, who discovered a votive tablet associated with the Hindu-Buddha Malayanist from Srivijaya period and the discoveries were similar to what was reported by Adi Taha in Gua Chawas. Based on archeological discovery, it had been proven that Gua Tampaq had been used over a long time of time by two or more cultures.

Most of the archaeological sites located along Sg. Nenggiri have been surveyed and recorded. There is a very high possibility that we can find some cave or rock shelters on the Kemiri Mountain and the surrounding area used as shelters of the prehistoric people. The most suitable time for archaeological surveys in this area is during site preparation and earthworks being carried out by the project developer. The most important and well known prehistoric site in Hulu Kelantan is Gua Cha which has been gazetted by Jabatan Warisan Negara in Heritage Registration (Daftar Warisan) under the registration number of GUA CHA P.U. (B)292 16 June 2016. Gua Cha is one of the massive burial sites in Malaysia used by prehistoric people since 12,000 years ago. The other prehistoric sites in Hulu Kelantan used as burial sites are Gua Peraling and Gua Tok Batin (Kemiri 2). Most of the prehistoric sites in Hulu Kelantan will be submerged when the proposed Nenggiri Dam is completed. Several important and highly potential archaeological sites such as Gua Cha, Gua Peraling, Gua Jaya, Gua Chawan, Gua Lubang Kelawar, Gua Kechil, Gua Keledung, Gua Cahaya and Gua Perdang should be excavated in order to rescue all the valuable archaeological data and remains such as artifacts, ecofacts and features (Figure 8.4.1 to Figure 8.4.9). The archaeological excavation should be done before the dam construction or during site preparation and earthworks.

Table 8.4.1 Archaeological Sites in Hulu Kelantan Affected by the Proposed Nenggiri Dam Elevation No. Name Position Archaeological Potential (m) 186.82 Very high potential as an archaeological N 5°05'39.6" site. A lot of pottery shards and stone 1. Gua Jaya E 101°46'20.4" tools found here, and also containing some cave drawings. 119 Very high potential and the cave were N 5°00'38.9" 2. Gua Cha used as a burial site of Hoabinhian and E 101°45'36.8" Neolithic cultures. N 5°02'03.7" 142.86 Not much potential as an archaeological 3. Gua Lembu E 101°45'47.5" site. 136.63 Very high potential as an archaeological N 5°02'06.7" 4. Gua Peraling site. Used as a burial site by the E 101°45'00.3" Neolithic community. N 5°02'58.9" 110 Low potential as an archaeological site. 5. Gua Dala E 101°46'27.6" Very small space for people to live in. 112.64 Low potential as an archaeological site. Very far from the river as the main N 4°59'04.0" 6. Gua Air access for prehistoric people. E 101°57'11.1"

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Elevation No. Name Position Archaeological Potential (m) 89.11 Low potential as an archaeological site. N 5°03'08.5" 7. Gua Janggut Very far from the river as the main E 101°54'44.7" access for prehistoric people. 100.33 Very high potential. A lot of pottery N 5°05'45.9" 8. Gua Chawan shards and stone tools were discovered E 101°46'00.4" here. N 5°04'03.4" 103.93 Low potential as an archaeological site. Gua Rahmat 9. E 101°54'28.8" Limited space for living and sited far (Pelan) from the river. 109.55 Stone tools of Hoabinhian culture were N 5°04'27.7" 10. Gua Keledung found at this site. Medium potential as E 101°54'24.0" an archaeological site. 108.42 Stone tools of Hoabinhian culture were Gua Cahaya N 5°04'30.3" 11. found at this site. Medium potential as (Keledung 2) E 101°54'23.0" an archaeological site. 82.79 Very high potential as an archaeological Gua Lubang site. A lot of snail shell remains were N 5°04'41.8" 12. Kelawar (Gua found here and the site was still E 101°54'18.5" Batu Tambah) undisturbed. It also contained some cave drawings. 85.84 Very high potential as an archaeological Gua Kecil N 5°04'45.8" site. A lot of pottery shards and stone 13. (Gua Batu E 101°54'19.9" tools were found here. It also contained Tambah 2) some cave drawings. Very high potential as an archaeological N 5°04'14.1" site. A lot of snail shell remains were 14. Gua Kemiri 145 E 101°56'25.4" found here. It also contained some cave drawings. Used as a burial site for Tok Batin of Pos N 5°04'13.8" 15. Gua Tok Batin 155 Pulat. Located on the limestone E 101°56'22.7" formation of Gunung Kemiri. Very high potential as an archaeological N 5°04'13.7"N site. A lot of snail shell remains were 16. Gua Perdang 125 E 101°55'02.7" found here and the site was still undisturbed.

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Figure 8.4.1 Soil Deposits in Gua Cha and Excavation Trenches of Past Excavation

Figure 8.4.2 View of Gua Peraling which Contained Many Prehistoric Artifacts Buried in the Soil Deposits

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Figure 8.4.3 Soil Deposits Rich in Archaeological Artifacts in Gua Chawan

Figure 8.4.4 Limestone Formation in Gua Jaya II

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Figure 8.4.5 Soil Deposits Rich in Archaeological Artifacts in Gua Jaya

Figure 8.4.6 Charcoal Cave Drawings in Gua Jaya II

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Figure 8.4.7 View of Limestone Formation and Soil Deposits in Gua Keledung

Figure 8.4.8 View of Limestone Formation and Soil Deposits in Gua Cahaya

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Figure 8.4.9 View of Limestone Formation and Soil Deposits in Gua Lubang Kelawar

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8.5 ECOTOURISM

8.5.1 Introduction

Ecotourism is often initiated as the catalyst for both development and conservation purposes in many developing countries. The existence of ecotourism sites has always been in the rural and remote areas. In fact, ecotourism has been closely associated with the aboriginal tribes residing in the remote areas. However, ecotourism has also been affected by the rapid development of mega project initiatives such dam and resort developments.

In the study area, it is argued that the Proposed Project development will be impacting ecotourism with a degree of loss in terms of values of various aspects of the local community life as well as the natural habitat of the people. The Proposed Project is said to be affecting the study area as follows:

i. The Proposed Project will influence the existing ecosystem, be it in its virgin state or as a secondary forest. ii. There are both direct and indirectly impacts on ecotourism. a) Direct impact: the proposed dam project will affect the Orang Asli villages within the area, their cultural, and social touristic as well as natural resources will be lost. The impact is more critical when the Orang Asli settlement (village) and their roaming areas are the existing tourism product niches of the area, managed by the local authority and tourism operators. b) Indirect impact: Since some villages act as the providers of touristic products for the tourism activity in the study area, including the Gua Musang, the dam development will be affecting the ‘touristic product resources’.

The tourism industry contributes to the national economy and local development. It helps to generate income and job opportunities for the local communities through their direct and indirect involvement in the tourism sector. Tourism will give positive impact on the local community itself by improving its quality of life and well-being, hence, the rationale for identifying the tourism potential in a locality. The development of tourism can be implemented by identifying the potential available in the area that could be developed as tourism products such as natural/physical attraction, unique cultural attraction and creative handicraft produced by the community.

The Sg. Nenggiri is the main network of river drainage system in the Gua Musang district which offers de-stressing activities to the visitors, especially for activities such as kayaking and rafting, as well as leisure fishing. It has more than 40 rapids and is suitable for rafting and kayaking activities that are eco-tourism based. It is located approximately 30 kilometres from Gua Musang town via the local route (D30) heading to Kuala Betis, the entrance (check point) or flag-off point for activities and attractions situated along the river.

The Sg. Nenggiri itself is an eco-tourism attraction spot and it has been gaining its prominence as the ecotourism site in the State of Kelantan. The Sg. Nenggiri has been identified as a popular

UKM Pakarunding Sdn. Bhd. (561663-U) 8-57 THE PROPOSED NENGGIRI HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Existing Human Environment rafting site and a sanctuary for the famous Kelah (Malayan Mahseer, Tor tambra), where an individual fish here can reach up to 25 kg in body weight and a fresh fish can fetch a market price up to RM250 per kilogram. Along the river is the network of prehistoric caves which was once an archaeological dig site with the discovery of a human skeleton in the Stone Age, namely in Gua Cha and Gua Peraleng. Several indigenous settlements along the river are still practising a nomadic way of life which can be highlighted as a tourism product of Gua Musang.

8.5.2 Method of Study

This report relies on data collection, observations and surveys. However, setting up the mechanism of data collection was done earlier. The questionnaire design was prepared prior to the survey, to ensure that all the scoping is taken care of, with regard to the information on socio-demographic of the community, the touristic assets, potential impacts and the recommendations for mitigating measures (Table 8.5.1).

Table 8.5.1 Questionnaire Design and Questions PART QUESTIONS NUMBER OF QUESTIONS A Demography 6 Basic amenities and livelihood 8 Facilities 17 Effect of the Proposed Project 8 B Touristic assets - Natural attraction 10 - Cultural attraction 16 Involvement 8 Perceived resettlement impact 9 Recommendation

The mapping will capture the following aspects. In this procedure, the mapping will use the 6 H framework which provides holistic mapping of the Orang Asli community:

i. Habitat of the community – what are the socio-cultural habitats that they wish for and ensure to be recreated at the new resettlement. ii.Heritage of the community. iii.Historical aspects of the community. iv.Handicrafts of the community v.Host of the community vi.Hospitality of the community.

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8.5.2.1 The survey A survey was carried out in March 2017, aimed at gauging the awareness and perception of the community within 5 km radius that circumscribes the outer boundary of impact zone of the Proposed Project. The survey area includes villages/Pos covering the Malay villages and the Orang Asli villages/Pos (Figure 8.5.1). There are ten (10) Malay villages that include Kg. Asam, Kg. Chegar Atas, Kg. Dusun Pinang, Kg. Kala, Kg. Kuala Betis, Kg. Kuala Tool, Chegar Atas, Kg. Perak, Kg. Setelu, Kg. Star, and Kg. Tool. Likewise, the Orang Asli villages/Pos include Kg. Bering, Kg. Bering Lama, Pos Pasik, among others. The primary data were gathered through a questionnaire survey directed towards 320 respondents who were mainly heads of households. The respondents were selected randomly using a purposive sampling technique. The secondary data mainly comprise published data from the Draf Rancangan Tempatan Gua Musang 2020, which provides some general information on the study area. A random interview and questionnaire survey of 320 household respondents was conducted. Due to the importance of the study villages in terms of location to the Proposed Project site, Kg. Kuala Betis, Kg. Pulat, Kg. Star, and Kg. Tohoi were given more focus with coverage of almost 50% of the sample size.

Figure 8.5.1 Field Survey

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8.5.2.2 Data analysis techniques Specific techniques of analysing data are used to generate research findings to achieve the objectives of the study. The collected data was encoded and analysed using the Statistic Package for Social Science (SPSS) 22 software, where data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, percentage, mean and cross tabulation.

The data had their Cronbach Alpha checked to ensure the reliability. The acceptance level of the reliability of a research instrument indicates that respondents have answered questions or statements in a consistent manner. Therefore, the guidelines on the value of Cronbach Alpha are used to determine the strength of the relationship of each element or question found in the questionnaire. In this study, the value of Cronbach Alpha used is based on the value referred to by Joseph et. al (2003), which states that the reliability of less than 0.6 is considered to be poor, and that in the 0.6-0.7 range is acceptable, while that in the 0.7-0.8 range is good and above 0.8 considered as excellent.

Based on study finding, nine elements in Table 8.5.2 show excellent elemental strength. This includes community in socioeconomics (0.958), effect to community safety (0.940), tourist attraction for natural assets (0.981), tourist attraction for cultural aspects (0.978), benefits (0.997), potentials (1.000), impacts of the project (0.916) and involvement elements (0.814). While 0.621 for the elements of facilities showed acceptable variables in the questionnaire or study.

Table 8.5.2 Cronbach Alpha of Selected Variables Variables N Cronbach Alpha 1 Facilities 19 .621 Existing tourism to - Socioeconomic 7 .958 2 community - Safety 10 .940 - Natural 10 .981 3 Touristic attraction - Cultural 17 .978 4 Benefits 9 .997 5 Potential 15 1.000 6 Impacts of the project 8 .916 7 Involvement 7 .814

8.5.2.3 Study Site The proposed dam project is located in Bertam District, Jajahan Gua Musang, Kelantan. Gua Musang consists of three districts, namely Bertam, Galas, and Chiku, whereas Bertam itself has three mukims, namely Bertam, Limau Kasturi, and Ulu Nenggiri. The location of the study area is shown in Figure 8.1.3.

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8.5.3 Results

This section discusses the findings of the primary data collected by the survey conducted in May 2017. These include the background of the community, their contribution in tourism and the potential loss due to the Proposed Project and recommendations for mitigating measures.

8.5.3.1 The community: The Orang Asli and the traditional Malay villages Table 8.5.3 displays the background of the respondents, where there are almost 60% of Malay respondents and 41.3% Orang Asli, comprising 57.5% household and 42.5% family members. About 50.3% of the respondents claimed that they are the local communities who have stayed in those villages for 20-40 years, 24.7% have stayed between 40-60 years, 20% have stayed below 20 years, while 5% have stayed for 60-80 years.

The educational attainment showed that 10.6% of the respondents had no formal education, 46.6% of them had a primary school attainment and 21.3% had a secondary school qualification. Only a small number of respondents or 1.3% had a higher educational qualification at tertiary level. The communities tend to have their household members and also extended family members staying together with them.

In terms of distance from the Proposed Project, the respondents share their views of the distance from their perspectives. There are about 50% who said that their locality is within the distance of 0-1 km and 1 – 2 km, and about 50% also viewed that they stayed within the range of 2-3 to 3-5 km. In terms of impacts, there were equal numbers who perceived that they would be affected by the Proposed Project.

Table 8.5.3 Background of the Local Communities in the Study Area Percentage Aspects Frequency (%) Race Malay 188 58.8 Indigenous people 132 41.3 Total 320 100.0 Distance 0-1km 81 25.3 1-2km 81 25.3 2-3km 14 4.4 3-5km 144 45.0 Total 320 100.0 Household & family Head of household 184 57.5 members Family members 136 42.5 Total 320 100.0 Educational attainment None 34 10.6 Primary school 149 46.6 Secondary school 57 17.8 (lower) Secondary school 68 21.3

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Percentage Aspects Frequency (%) Secondary school 7 2.2 (upper) Degree/master/PhD 4 1.3 Others 1 .3 Total 320 100.0 Years of stay 0-20 years 64 20.0 20-40 years 161 50.3 40-60 years 79 24.7 60-80 years 16 5.0 Total 320 100.0 Income RM0-1000 257 80.3 RM1001-2000 49 15.3 RM2001-3000 7 2.2 RM4001-5000 2 .6 RM5001 above 5 1.6 Total 320 100.0

Table 8.5.4 shows the basic amenities and livelihood of the community. The results indicate that majority of the respondents have good access to basic amenities in their home, such as piped water and electricity supply, and only a few did not have access to these. Figure 8.5.2 shows the houses of Orang Asli in the study area. In terms of land possession, more than half (56.4%) of the respondents possess their own land, while in terms of ownership of other properties such as car, motorcycle and refrigerator, most of the respondents have only one unit per item. However, some respondents have more than one unit. Based on the findings it can be concluded that majority of the respondents have their basic needs for daily livelihood.

Table 8.5.4 Basic Amenities and Livelihood in the Study Area

Frequency Percentage (%)

Water Supply Yes (Sharing) 116 36.3 Yes (Direct) 166 51.9 No 38 11.9 Total 320 100.0 Electric Supply Yes (Sharing) 27 8.4 Yes (Direct) 289 90.3 No 4 1.3 Total 320 100.0 Land Possession Yes 190 59.4 No 130 40.6 Total 320 100.0 Car One 116 36.3 Two 8 2.5

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Frequency Percentage (%)

Three 4 1.3 Four 1 0.3 Total 129 40.3 Missing System 191 59.7 Total 320 100.0 Motorcycle One 199 62.2 Two 29 9.1 Three 6 1.9 Four 2 0.6 Five 1 0.3 Total 237 74.1 Missing System 83 25.9 Total 320 100.0 Bicycle One 14 4.4 Two 4 1.3 Total 18 5.6 Missing System 302 94.4 Total 320 100.0 Refrigerator One 202 63.1 Two 2 0.6 Three 1 0.3 Four 1 0.3 Total 206 64.4 Missing System 114 35.6 Total 320 100.0 Fan One 142 44.4 Two 43 13.4 Three 23 7.2 Four 9 2.8 Five 5 1.6 Total 222 69.4 Missing System 98 30.6 Total 320 100.0

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Figure 8.5.2 Houses of Orang Asli

Provision of facilities This survey also aims to unpack the provision of facilities used by the community. Table 8.5.5 shows the provision of basic facilities to a higher order of facilities. Looking into the provision of schools; primary and secondary schools, the respondents viewed them as quite positive. More than 80% of the respondents perceived that the provision of basic primary school was adequate compared to only 5% who agreed on the provision of secondary school to be likewise.

Most respondents agreed that most of the basic facilities available in their community such as mosque, primary school, roads and hospital are at satisfactory level. However, other facilities are at low level, and these are shopping mall, garbage disposal centre, post office and others. In conclusion, the basic facilities in Nenggiri are at moderate level and need more improvement to provide comfort to the community.

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Table 8.5.5 Basic Facilities in the Study Area

Frequency Percentage (%)

Primary school Yes 264 82.5 No 56 17.5 Total 320 100.0 Secondary school Yes 17 5.3 No 303 94.7 Total 320 100.0 Public phone Yes 39 12.2 No 281 87.8 Total 320 100.0 Post office Yes 2 0.6 No 318 99.4 Total 320 100.0 Hospital / clinic Yes 165 51.6 No 155 48.4 Total 320 100.0 Roads Yes 218 68.1 No 102 31.9 Total 320 100.0 Bus / taxi Yes 16 5.0 No 304 95.0 Total 320 100.0 Market Yes 59 18.4 No 261 81.6 Total 320 100.0 Retail outlets Yes 256 80.0 No 64 20.0 Total 320 100.0 Mosque Yes 286 89.4 No 34 10.6 Total 320 100.0 District Office Yes 5 1.6 No 315 98.4 Total 320 100.0 Hall Yes 241 75.3 No 79 24.7 Total 320 100.0 Garbage disposal Yes 1 .3 centre and facilities No 319 99.7 Total 320 100.0 Sewage facilities Yes 2 .6 No 318 99.4

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Frequency Percentage (%)

Total 320 100.0 Fire Station No 320 100.0 Police station No 320 100.0 Shopping mall Yes 1 .3 No 319 99.7 Total 320 100.0 Recreation park Yes 14 4.4 No 306 95.6 Total 320 100.0 Sport and recreation Yes 109 34.1 facilities No 211 65.9 Total 320 100.0

8.5.3.2 Touristic assets in the Proposed Project area in Nenggiri In this assessment, touristic assets are categorised into six components comprising: i. Habitat of the community ii. Heritage of the community. iii. Historical aspect of the community. iv. Handicrafts of the community v. Host of the community vi. Hospitality of the community

Touristic Asset According to 6Hs During the survey, respondents were asked some questions pertaining to the assessment and knowledge of the touristic assets. Figure 8.5.3 shows the average means of the 6Hs while Table 8.5.6 shows the mean of the 6H of the touristic assets of the Nenggiri area as a tourism site.

2.1391 2.1646 2.1148 2.0444 1.9234

1.3706

Habitat Heritage Historical Handicraft Host Hospitality

Figure 8.5.3: Average Means of 6 Hs of Nenggeri Site as an Ecotourism Destination.

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Table 8.5.6: Assessment of 6 Hs of the Community Std. Category Attractions Mean Deviation Habitat/ Nature Forest attraction 2.0469 0.89984 River attraction 2.1063 0.73937 Waterfall attraction 2.1875 0.94147 Trail attraction 2.1906 0.97841 Animal attraction 2.1844 0.9764 Plants attraction 2.1313 0.95426 Hill attraction 2.1906 0.86986 Cave attraction 2.0594 0.71234 Landscape attraction 2.1375 0.94346 Panorama attraction 2.1563 0.96683 Average means for Habitat 2.1391

Heritage Indigenous people house attraction 1.9625 0.82201 Wedding ceremony 2.0344 0.91422 Marriage custom 2.1281 0.9596 Places of worship attraction 2.1656 0.97335 Traditional game attraction (adults) 2.2 0.95543 Traditional game attraction (children) 2.1656 0.97335 Cave attraction 2.1473 0.97141 Average means for Heritage 2.1148

Historical Religion attraction 2.1469 0.96343 Tombs attraction 2.1719

Monument (Batu tanda) 2.175 0.97653 Average means for Historical 2.1646

Handicraft Weaving 2.0113 0.83024 Herbs attraction 2.0688 0.90017 Traditional medicine 2.0531 0.9569 Average means for Handicraft 2.0444

Host Involvement of the community 1.8 0.977 Traditional costume attraction 1.5047 0.59807 Traditional dance attraction 2.0906 0.93415 Traditional food attraction 2.1406 0.95784 Traditional leisure 2.0813 0.83024 Extreme games attraction 2.0813 .83024 Average means for Host 1.9491

Hospitality Tourist acceptance 1.8406 0.94499 All time accepting and attending to the tourist 1.0719 0.25869 Both tourists, domestic and international 0.8594 1.29706 Entertaining tourists 1.8594 0.34818 Providing accommodation 1.2219 0.6114 Average means for Hospitality 1.3706

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From the mean values of the attractions, the community seems to have appreciated their assets highly. Of all the attractions of habitat, ranging from the forest, rivers, waterfall to the panoramic attraction, the mean values are above 2.0 and above average means. To the community, the natural setting has provided them with ample resources for ecotourism, even though the actual tourism activities are taking place at a slow pace compared to other sites in the state of Kelantan.

Touristic Asset According to the Malays and Orang Asli Looking into the 6H Framework of Touristic Asset, the Nenggiri Area has been perceived to have a wide range of ecotourism potentials. Table 8.5.7 further shows the community views on the touristic attractions. The findings show that between the Malays and Orang Asli, several points of similarities and differences occur. This can be highlighted as follows:

i) The attraction of habitat is shown to be more popular among the Orang Asli, with 56.2% to the answer ‘yes’ or agreeing that the study site has forest attraction compared to 43.8% by the Malays. ii) The attraction of nature trails was the main attraction for both Malays and the Orang Asli. There is a small differentiation of the percentage as many knew the attractions are capable of pulling tourists to travel to Gua Musang (59.1%). iii) The attraction of beautiful landscape and wonderful panorama also shows a high percentage which will contribute to the tourism industry and most of the views are located at Kampung Melayu. iv) Natural landscape is a big factor affecting tourism in the modern world. Different styles of holidays will provide different types of natural landscape, but on the whole, they generally are a pull factor for tourism.

Forest attraction can be found at indigenous villages where they are individuals who are mostly exposed to nature. Other than that, the uniqueness of plants (flora) in the karst (limestone) ecosystem of Gua Musang can be used as a tourist attraction as many valuable herbs and traditional medicine such as the famous aphrodisiac Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) can be found here. Nevertheless, the attraction of caves in Gua Musang was perceived to have the lowest score, with only 28.4% respondents agreeing to this attraction. The two archaeological caves along the Sg. Nenggiri, i.e. Gua Cha and Gua Peralen in particular, had been losing their status as a unique tourist site due to poor promotional campaign.

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Figure 8.5.4 The Gua Cha Caves

Nenggiri is predominantly characterized by being the heritage and historical tourist spot of Kelantan. In this regard, heritage is seen as the indigenous house, place of worship, wedding ceremony and local custom. The traditional games for children and adults offer a spectrum of the daily life of the locals. Also mentioned and agreed upon is the existence of the caves and the monument, Batu Tanda, located at Kg. Melayu.

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Table 8.5.7 6Hs Framework According to the Malays and Orang Asli MALAY/ORANG ASLI Total Malays Orang Asli Habitat Forest Yes 60 77 137 attraction 43.8% 56.2% 100.0% Not 43 18 61 sure 70.5% 29.5% 100.0% No 85 37 122 69.7% 30.3% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% River Yes 37 69 106 attraction 34.9% 65.1% 100.0% Not 101 41 142 sure 71.1% 28.9% 100.0% No 50 22 72 69.4% 30.6% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Waterfall Yes 92 85 177 attraction 52.0% 48.0% 100.0% Not 19 7 26 sure 73.1% 26.9% 100.0% No 77 40 117 65.8% 34.2% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Trail Yes 100 89 189 attraction 52.9% 47.1% 100.0% Not 1 2 3 sure 33.3% 66.7% 100.0% No 87 41 128 68.0% 32.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Animal Yes 99 88 187 attraction 52.9% 47.1% 100.0% Not 2 3 5 sure 40.0% 60.0% 100.0% No 87 41 128 68.0% 32.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Plants Yes 88 81 169

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MALAY/ORANG ASLI Total Malays Orang Asli attraction 52.1% 47.9% 100.0% Not 13 11 24 sure 54.2% 45.8% 100.0% No 87 40 127 68.5% 31.5% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Hill Yes 71 86 157 attraction 45.2% 54.8% 100.0% Not 49 18 67 sure 73.1% 26.9% 100.0% No 68 28 96 70.8% 29.2% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Cave Yes 28 63 91 attraction 30.8% 69.2% 100.0% Not 114 43 157 sure 72.6% 27.4% 100.0% No 46 26 72 63.9% 36.1% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Landscape Yes 90 77 167 attraction 53.9% 46.1% 100.0% Not 13 17 30 sure 43.3% 56.7% 100.0% No 85 38 123 69.1% 30.9% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Panorama Yes 93 85 178 attraction 52.2% 47.8% 100.0% Not 8 6 14 sure 57.1% 42.9% 100.0% No 87 41 128 68.0% 32.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 Heritage Orang Asli Yes 33 69 102 house 32.4% 67.6% 100.0% attraction Not 79 25 104

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MALAY/ORANG ASLI Total Malays Orang Asli sure 76.0% 24.0% 100.0% No 76 38 114 66.7% 33.3% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Traditional Yes 7 10 17 costume 41.2% 58.8% 100.0% attraction Not 88 39 127 sure 69.3% 30.7% 100.0% No 92 83 175 52.6% 47.4% 100.0% Total 187 132 319 58.6% 41.4% 100.0% Wedding Yes 67 72 139 48.2% 51.8% 100.0% Not 32 21 53 sure 60.4% 39.6% 100.0% No 89 39 128 69.5% 30.5% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Marriage Yes 88 82 170 custom 51.8% 48.2% 100.0% attraction Not 11 10 21 sure 52.4% 47.6% 100.0% No 89 40 129 69.0% 31.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Batu tanda Yes 97 88 185 52.4% 47.6% 100.0% Not 2 4 6 sure 33.3% 66.7% 100.0% No 89 40 129 69.0% 31.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Traditional Yes 97 87 184 game 52.7% 47.3% 100.0% attraction Not 2 14 16 (adults) sure 12.5% 87.5% 100.0%

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MALAY/ORANG ASLI Total Malays Orang Asli No 89 31 120 74.2% 25.8% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Traditional Yes 96 86 182 game 52.7% 47.3% 100.0% attraction Not 3 6 9 (children) sure 33.3% 66.7% 100.0% No 89 40 129 69.0% 31.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Handicraft Carving Yes 90 87 177 attraction 50.8% 49.2% 100.0% Not 8 4 12 sure 66.7% 33.3% 100.0% No 89 41 130 68.5% 31.5% 100.0% Total 187 132 319 58.6% 41.4% 100.0% Historical Religion Yes 97 78 175 attraction 55.4% 44.6% 100.0% Not 2 15 17 sure 11.8% 88.2% 100.0% No 89 39 128 69.5% 30.5% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Tombs Yes 98 86 184 attraction 53.3% 46.7% 100.0% Not 1 6 7 sure 14.3% 85.7% 100.0% No 89 40 129 69.0% 31.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Places of Yes 98 84 182 worship 53.8% 46.2% 100.0% attraction Not 1 8 9 sure 11.1% 88.9% 100.0% No 89 40 129

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MALAY/ORANG ASLI Total Malays Orang Asli 69.0% 31.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Host Herbs Yes 74 67 141 attraction 52.5% 47.5% 100.0% Not 34 26 60 sure 56.7% 43.3% 100.0% No 80 39 119 67.2% 32.8% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Traditional Yes 78 77 155 dance 50.3% 49.7% 100.0% attraction Not 21 18 39 sure 53.8% 46.2% 100.0% No 89 37 126 70.6% 29.4% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Traditional Yes 94 78 172 food 54.7% 45.3% 100.0% attraction Not 6 15 21 sure 28.6% 71.4% 100.0% No 88 39 127 69.3% 30.7% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Traditional Yes 78 77 155 medical 50.3% 49.7% 100.0% attraction Not 12 15 27 sure 44.4% 55.6% 100.0% No 98 40 138 71.0% 29.0% 100.0% Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0% Extreme Yes 49 75 124 games 39.5% 60.5% 100.0% attraction Not 72 26 98 sure 73.5% 26.5% 100.0% No 67 31 98 68.4% 31.6% 100.0%

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MALAY/ORANG ASLI Total Malays Orang Asli Total 188 132 320 58.8% 41.3% 100.0%

Analysis of the perspectives of the Malays and Orang Asli on the touristic assets available showed the Orang Asli to be more optimistic than the Malays.

Involvement of the Locals in Ecotourism The respondents were asked on their existing involvement in ecotourism as well as in tourism generally. Table 8.5.8 displays the involvement of the community in tourism sector. Majority of the respondents said that they were not involved in tourism (66.3%) because of their lack of knowledge on how to engage in the tourism sector. Only one third of the total respondents confirmed their involvement in the tourism sector. This includes being a tourist guide, selling and making of the local handicrafts, providing the accommodation and cultural shows. Among the range of job opportunities, the highest is being the tourist guide and running a restaurant, each of which records 25.3%, respectively. It is quite surprising that involvement with the forest such as selling forest products and herbs by the Orang Asli communities is scored at only 15%. Other than that, the offering of tourism related services among the Nenggiri communities is quite small in percentage compared to the existing jobs categories.

Table 8.5.8 Community Involvement in Tourism

Frequency Percentage (%)

Community involvement in Yes 108 33.8 tourism No 212 66.3 Total 320 100.0 Tourist guide Yes 81 25.3 No 239 74.7 Total 320 100.0 Selling handicraft Yes 39 12.2 No 281 87.8 Total 320 100.0 Making handicraft Yes 35 10.9 No 285 89.1 Total 320 100.0 Selling forest products Yes 48 15.0 No 272 85.0 Total 320 100.0 Handling restaurant Yes 81 25.3 No 239 74.7 Total 320 100.0 Accommodation Yes 43 13.4 No 277 86.6

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Frequency Percentage (%)

Total 320 100.0 Cultural events Yes 12 3.8 No 308 96.3 Total 320 100.0

8.5.3.3 Should ecotourism be pursued in the proposed resettlement sites? The communities of the study area are also asked about their concern regarding the Proposed Project and the impacts on the ecotourism as their source of income and livelihood. They are asked whether or not ecotourism should be pursued or developed in their proposed new resettlement area. With regard to having/holding consultations on the proposed resettlements among the respondents, the responses are deemed unsatisfactory. Only a small percentage of the respondents answered ‘YES’ (13. 4%) compared to those who answered ‘NO’ and ‘NOT SURE’ (31.9 and 54.7%, respectively) (Table 8.5.9).

Table 8.5.9 Do You Agree that Tourism can be Developed in the New Resettlement Area? Answer Frequency Percent No 102 31.9 Not sure 175 54.7 Yes 43 13.4 Total 320 100

Tourism Asset that can be developed in the Resettlements The results in Table 8.5.10 show the tourism potentials for the communities who have to move to the new settlements. Generally, the natural assets and local culture are still seen as good potentials. The natural assets, however, are focused on several attractions, especially pertaining to their forests, forest products and panoramic view of the environment. Other than that, the nature tourism potential did not show a high mean value since at the new settlement place, the community have to cope with the new environment, and hardly recognize the potential of the new environment that they have to be relocated to.

The cultural asset had shown similar emphasis. The highest mean was the dance, traditional games and the village itself. The respondents agree that their cultural tradition can still be their specialities. For example, the culture of traditional games and dance can still be practiced such as the wau (big kites), gasing (spinning top) and sepak raga (traditional game). The traditional dance can also be performed by the Orang Asli when they have ritual ceremonies, while the Malays can still perform Tarian Ulek Mayang at a wedding ceremony. However, when looking at the least cultural practice at the proposed new settlement, many singled out the lifestyle (1.069%) especially for Orang Asli. The reasons are indeed closely related to their loss of the roaming areas; and to them, set the constraints of collecting forest products and food.

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Table 8.5.10 Tourism Potentials in the Study Area Std. Tourism Potential Mean Priorities Deviation

Nature 1.069 0.25427 Flora and fauna 1.0625 0.24291 Forest 1.079 0.23422 3 Natural landscape 1.069 0.25427 Natural River and waterfall 1.069 0.25427 Panorama 1.0878 0.28402 1 2 Forest products 1.0816 0.27474

Average mean 1.072557

Indigenous people house 1.0753 0.26485 Village 1.0816 0.27474 3 Traditional food 1.0753 0.26485 Languages 1.0753 0.26485 Culture Lifestyle 1.069 0.25427 Dance 1.0816 0.27474 1 Traditional games 1.0816 0.27473 2 Religious events 1.0753 0.26485 Average mean 1.076875

The study also took the initiative to further segregate this view according to the Malays and the Orang Asli. Based on Table 8.5.11, the tourism potentials are available in every village according its ethnicity, be it the Malays or Orang Asli. The results indicate that in most tourism attractions, either natural or cultural, the Orang Asli are able to practise their own customs and traditions. This is because the Orang Asli people are more accustomed to living in the forest, and relying on the forest to provide for their daily needs for family food and financial resources. Many of them earn a living by means of selling forest products such as petai, fresh wild vegetables (ulam) and medicinal herbs. Several respondents were worried that their womenfolk might lose their local wisdom and traditional indigenous skills of crafting handicrafts using forest products.

The respondents are also concerned about the impacts on local language or dialect. This is because the Malays in Nenggiri only use Kelantanese dialect to communicate, while the Orang Asli use their own ethnic dialect when communicating among their community members, and only use the general Kelantanese dialect when communicating with outsiders. For traditional games (like sepak takraw, kite flying, top spinning, etc.), these are less popular with the locals nowadays, especially among the modern Malay youths. According to the respondents, due to the widespread and rapid advances in technology and ICT, the young people have shifted their interest from the traditional games and cultural activities to high-tech games such as video games and virtual reality or online games, etc.

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For Orang Asli, all their children, especially the boys, are trained from young to be familiarized with the forest environment, and play games that hone their skills in jungle survival like swimming, climbing, chopping wood, hunting, etc. Therefore, traditional games related to such skills are still widely practiced in the Orang Asli villages. Similarly, traditional dances, such as Sewang, are still practiced in the Orang Asli settlements during festive occasions or ceremonies like weddings and harvest feasts. Thus, it can be clearly seen that the Orang Asli communities have more potential to participate in the tourism sector despite the ever-increasing onslaught of modern technology and entertainment.

Table 8.5.11 Tourist Potential by the Villages Malays Orang Asli Total

Nature Yes 3 7 10 30.0% 70.0% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 95 50 145 65.5% 34.5% 100.0% Flora and fauna Yes 2 7 9 22.2% 77.8% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 94 50 144 65.3% 34.7% 100.0% Forest Yes 3 7 10 30.0% 70.0% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 95 50 145 65.5% 34.5% 100.0% Natural landscape Yes 3 7 10

30.0% 70.0% 100.0%

No 92 43 135

68.1% 31.9% 100.0%

Total 95 50 145

65.5% 34.5% 100.0%

River and waterfall Yes 3 7 10

30.0% 70.0% 100.0%

No 92 43 135

68.1% 31.9% 100.0%

Total 95 50 145

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Malays Orang Asli Total

65.5% 34.5% 100.0%

Panorama Yes 3 10 13 23.1% 76.9% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 95 53 148 64.2% 35.8% 100.0% Orang Asli house Yes 3 8 11 27.3% 72.7% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 95 51 146 65.1% 34.9% 100.0% Village Yes 6 6 12 50.0% 50.0% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 98 49 147 66.7% 33.3% 100.0% Traditional food Yes 5 6 11 45.5% 54.5% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 97 49 146 66.4% 33.6% 100.0% Languages Yes 6 5 11 54.5% 45.5% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 98 48 146 67.1% 32.9% 100.0% Lifestyle Yes 5 5 10 50.0% 50.0% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 97 48 145 66.9% 33.1% 100.0% Forest products Yes 5 7 12 41.7% 58.3% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0%

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Malays Orang Asli Total

Total 97 50 147 66.0% 34.0% 100.0% Dance Yes 6 6 12 50.0% 50.0% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 98 49 147 66.7% 33.3% 100.0% Traditional games Yes 5 7 12

41.7% 58.3% 100.0%

No 92 43 135

68.1% 31.9% 100.0%

Total 97 50 147

66.0% 34.0% 100.0%

Religious events Yes 5 6 11 45.5% 54.5% 100.0% No 92 43 135 68.1% 31.9% 100.0% Total 97 49 146 66.4% 33.6% 100.0%

Perceived Benefits of Ecotourism Development in the New Settlements Table 8.5.12 shows the benefits of ecotourism development to the local communities. Through the development of ecotourism, it has been mentioned that many benefits are felt by the locals, and these include generating the main and secondary incomes as well as improved employment opportunities. The perceived benefits of their concern are especially directly related to socioeconomic and only a little concern on other benefits. This is shown when the lowest mean for the perceived benefits are about preserving culture, customs, lifestyle and values (3.36%). This is because the local communities will be moved to a new place and the existing culture cannot be fully preserved.

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Table 8.5.12 Benefit of Ecotourism Development Std. Mean Rank Deviation Generate main and secondary income 3.40 1 .81105 Improve the living standards of local 4 3.38 .78914 population Create job opportunities 3.39 2 .79750 Improve existing facilities and infrastructure 3.38 5 .78284 Keep and maintain the historical heritage 3.37 6 .77570 Preserve the culture, customs, lifestyle and 9 3.36 .77315 values Establishing a good relationship with tourists 3.37 7 .78125 Increase and enhance Nenggiri development 3.37 8 .78206 Promoting eco-tourism in Malaysia 3.39 3 .80368

Table 8.5.13 shows the details of ecotourism development benefits according to the ethnic acceptance. Most Malays and Orang Asli respondents gave a neutral opinion on this matter pertaining to their area, which could mean that they would welcome the Proposed Project development if it could improve their family economy and provide more job opportunities in their area. They also perceived that more facilities would be available through the project development. However, there are also some respondents who feel that the development would give negative impacts on their culture, customs, lifestyle and traditional values, which could be eroded especially among the younger generation. Most of the Orang Asli respondents agreed in terms of promoting the eco-tourism industry in Malaysia. This is because, even if they are transferred to new areas they can still bring along their traditional skills and culture that can be highlighted as tourism assets (for example, the blowpipe or Sumpit, handicrafts made of forest products, display of ritual dances and ceremonies, etc.).

In general, the indigenous and Malay communities agreed that the development of ecotourism associated with the Proposed Project could provide them with more positive economic gains and improved living standards. However, in terms of close relationships, both the Malay and Orang Asli communities are uncertain as to whether mutual understanding could be sustained or nurtured after the development is implemented.

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Table 8.5.13 Benefits of Ecotourism Development Most Most Disagreed Neutral Agree Total Disagreed agreed Generate Malay 0 1 91 2 5 99 main and 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 2.0% 5.1% 100.0% side income Orang 1 1 60 10 32 105 Asli 1.0% 1.0% 57.1% 9.5% 30.5% 100.0% Total 1 2 151 12 37 204 .5% 1.0% 74.0% 5.9% 18.1% 100.0% Improve the Malay 0 1 91 2 5 99 living 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 2.0% 5.1% 100.0% standards of Orang 1 1 62 11 29 104 the local Asli 1.0% 1.0% 59.6% 10.6% 27.9% 100.0% population Total 1 2 153 13 34 203 .5% 1.0% 75.4% 6.4% 16.7% 100.0% Create job Malay 0 1 91 2 5 99 opportunities 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 2.0% 5.1% 100.0% Orang 1 1 60 12 30 104 Asli 1.0% 1.0% 57.7% 11.5% 28.8% 100.0% Total 1 2 151 14 35 203 .5% 1.0% 74.4% 6.9% 17.2% 100.0% Improve Malay 0 1 91 2 5 99 existing 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 2.0% 5.1% 100.0% facilities and Orang 1 1 61 13 28 104 infrastructure Asli 1.0% 1.0% 58.7% 12.5% 26.9% 100.0% Total 1 2 152 15 33 203 .5% 1.0% 74.9% 7.4% 16.3% 100.0% Keep and Malay 0 1 91 3 4 99 maintain the 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 3.0% 4.0% 100.0% historical Orang 1 1 61 13 28 104 heritage Asli 1.0% 1.0% 58.7% 12.5% 26.9% 100.0% Total 1 2 152 16 32 203 .5% 1.0% 74.9% 7.9% 15.8% 100.0% Preserve the Malay 0 2 91 3 3 99 culture, 0.0% 2.0% 91.9% 3.0% 3.0% 100.0% customs, Orang 1 1 61 13 28 104 lifestyle and Asli 1.0% 1.0% 58.7% 12.5% 26.9% 100.0% values Total 1 3 152 16 31 203 .5% 1.5% 74.9% 7.9% 15.3% 100.0% Establishing Malay 0 1 92 1 5 99 a good 0.0% 1.0% 92.9% 1.0% 5.1% 100.0%

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Most Most Disagreed Neutral Agree Total Disagreed agreed relationship Orang 1 1 62 12 28 104 with tourists Asli 1.0% 1.0% 59.6% 11.5% 26.9% 100.0% Total 1 2 154 13 33 203 .5% 1.0% 75.9% 6.4% 16.3% 100.0% Increase and Malay 0 1 91 2 5 99 enhance 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 2.0% 5.1% 100.0% Nenggiri Orang 1 1 62 12 28 105 development Asli 1.0% 1.0% 59.0% 11.4% 26.7% 100.0% Total 1 2 153 14 33 204 .5% 1.0% 75.0% 6.9% 16.2% 100.0% Promoting Malay 0 1 91 2 5 99 eco-tourism 0.0% 1.0% 91.9% 2.0% 5.1% 100.0% industry in Orang 1 1 61 10 31 104 Malaysia Asli 1.0% 1.0% 58.7% 9.6% 29.8% 100.0% Total 1 2 152 12 36 203 .5% 1.0% 74.9% 5.9% 17.7% 100.0%

The Perceived Tourism Impact The proposed dam development at Nenggiri is perceived to have some significant positive and negative impacts on the local communities in terms of the tourism sector. Three major sectoral impacts have been identified, and these have been highlighted in the questionnaire. Table 8.5.14 shows the socioeconomic impacts on the local communities due to the dam development. a) Socio-economic Impacts The socioeconomic impacts are summarised in Table 8.5.14. All the respondents were aware that they would have to face these impacts whether they are ready or not. However, only 30-35% of the respondents agreed that there would be some positive impacts on employment, income and living standards. This means that the local communities are uncertain of the real benefits of the developmental project. In fact, with regard to ecotourism, the potential job opportunities might not include hiring the locals due to lack of needed skills or knowledge and the changing needs of tourism services.

The respondents are also concerned about the creation of indirect jobs. While this may be a positive impact and is generally accepted by the locals, the respondents have some doubts on the actual linkage to their local economy such as increase in land value. Most of them have insufficient knowledge about land value and perceived that the community will gain only very limited positive impact in this regard.

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Table 8.5.14 Socioeconomic Impacts Impacts Frequency Percent (%)

Employment Yes 111 34.7 Not sure 119 37.2 No 90 28.1 Total 320 100 Income Yes 124 38.8 Not sure 118 36.9 No 78 24.4 Total 320 100 Accessibility and Travel mode Yes 136 42.5 Not sure 121 37.8 No 63 19.7 Total 320 100 The value of land Yes 102 31.9 Not sure 140 43.8 No 78 24.4 Total 320 100 Living standards Yes 104 32.5 Not sure 128 40 No 88 27.5 Total 320 100 Business opportunities Yes 97 30.3 Not sure 133 41.6 No 90 28.1 Total 320 100 Other economics Yes 113 35.3 Not sure 129 40.3 No 78 24.4 Total 320 100 b) Impacts on Safety and Social Security Safety and security are the major concern among most community members when facing impacts from the proposed dam project. Based on Table 8.5.15, the safety impacts of the dam project at Nenggiri are derived from a range of various sources. The respondents are very concerned on the physical safety and human related impacts. There are a few negative impacts of the project and the most significant impact on safety is water pollution (50%).

The physical impacts are mainly during the construction phase of the dam, when soil erosion occurs and runoff sediment loads could discharge into the Sg. Nenggiri, adversely affecting its water quality and aquatic life. The construction activities also cause concerns on public safety due to the risks of road accidents and traffic congestion, since many heavy vehicles would be plying the access roads to transport construction material and wastes and passing through the settlement areas.

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Due to the inflow of foreign labour during construction phase, the respondents felt that there is a potential for widespread transfer of communicable diseases. However, their greater concern is regarding hazardous waste disposal associated with the construction of the dam.

Table 8.5.15 Safety Impacts Affect Frequency Percent (%) Road accident Yes 119 37.2 Not sure 144 45 No 57 17.8 Total 320 100 Noise Yes 143 44.7 Not sure 132 41.3 No 45 14.1 Total 320 100 Traffic congestion Yes 148 46.3 Not sure 131 40.9 No 41 12.8 Total 320 100 Air pollution Yes 149 46.6 Not sure 131 40.9 No 40 12.5 Total 320 100 Water pollution Yes 160 50 Not sure 126 39.4 No 34 10.6 Total 320 100 Hazardous waste Yes 92 28.8 Not sure 166 51.9 No 62 19.4 Total 320 100 Odour problem Yes 68 21.3 Not sure 168 52.5 No 84 26.3 Total 320 100 Population stress Yes 107 33.4 Not sure 151 47.2 No 62 19.4 Total 320 100 Diseases Yes 89 27.8 Not sure 171 53.4 No 60 18.8 Total 320 100

UKM Pakarunding Sdn. Bhd. (561663-U) 8-85 THE PROPOSED NENGGIRI HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Existing Human Environment c) Environmental Impacts Table 8.5.16 shows the respondents’ perception on the environmental impacts of the Nenggiri project. The respondents perceived that the highest environmental impact is on the earth surface (44.1%) mainly due to pollution, especially to rivers and water resources. The landscape will also be affected due to the construction activities. About 31.6% of the respondents agreed that historical and archaeological sites and buildings would be adversely affected by the dam project.

The respondents (40.3%) also perceived that the peace and tranquillity of the place and the community would be adversely affected during construction phase of the project. Nevertheless, this would not affect the sense of unity of the Orang Asli community and its customs and traditions despite having to be relocated and resettled in a new area.

Table 8.5.16 Environmental Impacts of the Project

Frequency Percent (%)

Land surface Yes 141 44.1 Not sure 145 45.3 No 34 10.6 Total 320 100.0 Landscape Yes 106 33.1 Not sure 160 50.0 No 54 16.9 Total 320 100.0 Peace (tranquillity) Yes 129 40.3 Not sure 150 46.9 No 41 12.8 Total 320 100.0 Unity Yes 64 20.0 Not sure 163 50.9 No 93 29.1 Total 320 100.0 Tradition Yes 80 25.0 Not sure 162 50.6 No 78 24.4 Total 320 100.0 Historical place Yes 101 31.6 Not sure 160 50.0 No 59 18.4 Total 320 100.0 Place of worship Yes 80 25.0 Not sure 161 50.3 No 79 24.7 Total 320 100.0

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Frequency Percent (%)

Important buildings Yes 79 24.7 Not sure 176 55.0 No 64 20.0 Total 319 99.7 Missing System 1 0.3 Total 320 100.0

8.5.4 Recommendations

Table 8.5.17 shows some proposed recommendations on the benefits of the dam project in Nenggiri. Among the suggestions given by the respondents are: the provision of needed basic amenities and facilities to ease their daily lives; increase in job opportunities that can generate monthly income; ensuring a safe environment; and safeguarding the traditions of the Orang Asli community at the relocated new settlement. This includes maintaining sufficient forest cover because their source of daily income is dependent of forest products. However, 293 respondents said they were not directly involved with the development of this dam project.

Table 8.5.17 Recommendations Regarding the Dam Project Malay Orang Asli Total

Basic facilities 0 13 13 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% Economy 0 5 5 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% Safe environment 0 2 2 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% Maintaining the tradition of 0 3 3 Orang Asli 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% New area development 0 3 3 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% Irrelevant 187 106 293 63.8% 36.2% 100.0% 187 132 319 58.6% 41.4% 100.0%

Another important concern of the community is specific target groups, i.e. the youths, women, elderly and school children, all of whom should be given special attention because these are the vulnerable segments of the community, both among the Malays and the Orang Asli. Finally, the local communities have high hopes that the dam project will not deprive them of their future livelihood, and that they might be marginalised from the mainstream development, because since time immemorial they have always been an essential part of Nenggiri and the state of Kelantan.

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