Nenggiri Hydroelectric Dam: Over 1,000 Orang Asli To Be Relocated In 2026

GUA MUSANG,  Aug 21 (Bernama) — A total of 1,200 Orang Asli from Pos Pulat, Pos Tohoi and Kampung Kuala Wias, who are affected by the construction of ​​the Nenggiri Hydroelectric Dam will be relocated starting in mid-2026.

TNB Power Generation managing director Muhamad Nazri Pazil said the Orang Asli, involving 245 household heads (KIR) will be relocated in stages after the completion of the hydroelectric dam.

"TNB will relocate the Orang Asli before we submerge their settlement areas, covering ​​720 acres (291.3 hectares) in Pos Pulat and Kampung Kuala Wias, and 1,337 acres (541.7 hectares) in Pos Tohoi, he told reporters after visiting the Nenggiri hydroelectric dam project site, here.

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On the work progress of the hydroelectric dam, Muhamad Nazri said it had reached 40.5 per cent and was according to schedule.

Construction started in March 2022 and is expected to be fully completed in November 2027, he said, adding that upon completion of the project, it would provide 2,000 employment opportunities.

The project will boost tourism and socio-economic sectors in Gua Musang, he said. 

The RM5 billion project, located in the northeastern part of Kelantan, will bring multiplied benefits to the state, including in terms of reducing the effects of floods and droughts.

This will be achieved through the existence of the main reservoir lake with 53.84 square kilometres and a water flow control pool that is 0.97 square kilometres.

Upon completion, the hydroelectric dam will hold rainwater during the monsoon season and help mitigate heavy runoff that causes floods in the lowlands.

The hydroelectric dam project will deliver 300 megawatts (MW) to the National Grid when completed.

It is expected to increase TNB’s RE generation capacity, and upon completion, it will strengthen the state utility’s firm efforts to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for the people and the country.

“Alhamdulillah, as a result of discussions, engagement sessions, and acceptance research among the residents directly involved, namely in Pos Tohoi and Pos Pulat, the overall response has been positive.

"After obtaining all necessary approvals from the state government and relevant authorities, the construction work commenced in 2022," he said.

Muhamad Nazri added that the construction of the relocation sites in Plot A and Plot B has currently reached an average progress of nearly 30 per cent, while new rubber saplings have already been planted around the relocation areas.

"Insya-Allah, all affected residents are expected to be fully relocated by March 2026, which is approximately a year and a half from now.

"The Nenggiri hydroelectric project is crucial not only for increasing electricity generation capacity through renewable energy sources but also for ensuring the stability of the national electricity grid.

"In addition to the new settlements, we will also provide essential infrastructure facilities such as electricity and water supply, roads, schools, surau, community halls, shop houses, treatment centres, and the Orang Asli committee office," he said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Orang Asli Pos Tohoi head Zainal Calie expressed his community’s excitement about the construction of the hydroelectric dam.

"I am pleased that the project is progressing according to schedule, and it will significantly improve the socio-economic standard of the Orang Asli community,” he said.

The RM5 billion project, expected to be completed by mid-2027, will create a main reservoir lake with 53.84 square kilometres and a water flow control pool that is 0.97 square kilometres.

The project, which has now entered the construction phase, will create 2,000 job opportunities for the Orang Asli and local residents and is expected to generate 300 megawatts (MW) when completed.

-- BERNAMA