Jangkaan Impak Pembinaan Empangan Hidroelektrik Terhadap Komuniti Orang Asli

Abstract

Electricity demand in Malaysia continues to increase due to population growth, expansion of industrial and commercial development. The existing electricity supply cannot fulfill future demands. Therefore, an alternate power supply should be identified. Beside coal, gas and nuclear power, hydroelectric is another ideal means to fulfill the country’s electricity demand effectively because it is renewable, cheap and environment-friendly. Tekai river in Jerantut, Pahang, is an appropriate area for the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Briefing and dialogue series between energy’s company and the indigenous community of (Orang Asli) at Tekai river, and a field trip to Lake Kenyir Hydroelectric Dam have been held. This study aims to explore the Orang Asli community expectation with regard to the potential impacts of hydroelectric dam construction on their livelihood. This research is based on community livelihood model that examines the interconnection of the Orang Asli community with the surrounding natural environment. A qualitative approach is used by performing in-depth interviews with 20 informants. The data analysis is based on a verbatim transcription of the interviews and performed in accordance with emerging themes. Results indicate the community realized that the natural forests and river used for food sources and income have been exploited. They believe this dam will not entirely benefited them in the future; instead, it will be an inconvenience because they cannot arbitrarily enter the dam area. In addition, they cannot adapt for survival due to the lack of forest areas that provide resources. Hence, a few suggestions to improve Orang Asli livelihood by improving education, attitude, minds and skills, strengthening economic empowerment, upgrade infrastructure and basic facilities and implementing youth capacity building programs.

Keywords: Community Adaptation, Community Expectation, Hydroelectric Dam Externalities, Livelihood, Orang Asli Community.

ABSTRAK

Permintaan tenaga elektrik di Malaysia terus meningkat akibat pertumbuhan penduduk, pembangunan pengembangan industri dan pembangunan komersial. Sumber bekalan elektrik yang sedia ada tidak dapat memenuhi permintaan. Justeru itu, sumber tenaga alternatif perlu dicari. Selain arang batu, gas dan tenaga nuklear, hidroelektrik merupakan kaedah terbaik untuk memenuhi permintaan elektrik negara kerana sumber ia  boleh diperbaharui, murah dan mesra alam sekitar. Sungai Tekai di Jerantut telah dikenal pasti sesuai untuk pembinaan empangan hidroelektrik. Siri taklimat dan dialog antara syarikat tenaga dan komuniti Orang Asli Sungai Tekai serta lawatan ke Empangan Hidroelektrik Tasik Kenyir telah diadakan. Kajian ini bertujuan  meneroka jankaan komuniti Orang Asli berkaitan impak  pembinaan empangan hidroelektrik terhadap kelangsungan hidup mereka. Penyelidikan ini berasaskan model kelangsungan hidup yang meneliti  hubungkait komuniti Orang Asli dengan alam sekitar setempat. Pendekatan kualitatif digunakan menerusi temu bual mendalam terhadap 20 informan. Analisis data dilakukan dengan mentranskripsi secara verbaltim hasil temu bual dan menyusun mengikut tema. Hasil kajian mendapati, komuniti menerima hakikat hutan semulajadi dan sungai sebagai mencari sumber makanan dan pendapatan telah diterokai. Mereka percaya empangan ini kelak tidak memberi faedah sepenuhnya kepada mereka di masa hadapan, malah menyusahkan kerana mereka tidak boleh sewenang-wenangnya masuk ke dalam kawasan empangan. Malah, mereka tidak dapat mengadaptasi kelangsungan hidup akibat kekurangan kawasan hutan untuk mendapatkan pelbagi sumber. Oleh itu, beberapa cadangan bagi meningkatkan kualiti kehidupan komuniti Orang Asli menerusi mempertingkatkan pendidikan,sikap, minda dan kemahiran, mengukuhkan pemerkasaan ekonomi, menaik taraf infrastruktur dan kemudahan asas serta melaksanakan program pembangunan kapasiti belia.

Kata kunci: Adaptasi Komuniti, Jangkaan Komuniti, Empangan Hidroelektrik,  Kelangsungan Hidup, Komuniti Orang Asli.