The Nenggiri Hydroelectric Power Plant Project, located in Gua Musang, Kelantan, was initiated on March 1, 2022, with a projected capacity of 300 Megawatts (MW). Scheduled for completion by June 1, 2027, the project has reached an overall progress rate of approximately 36% as of January 2024.
Key ongoing activities include earthworks for the construction of essential infrastructure such as the Power Plant House, Saddle Dam, Re-Regulating Dam, and Main Entry Substation.
“Currently, earthworks are underway for the construction of the Power Plant House, Saddle Dam, Re-Regulating Dam, and Main Entry Substation,” Deputy Minister Energy Transition And Water Transformation Minister (PETRA), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said in Dewan Negara today (Apr 1).
Of particular concern is the relocation of the Orang Asli communities residing in areas affected by the project, namely Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat, and Kg. Kuala Wias, raised by Tuan Nik Mohamad Abduh bin Nik Abdul Aziz. He sought clarification from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment regarding the progress and potential implications of the Nenggiri Dam Project on the local Orang Asli community.
“Additionally, construction works for the relocation of the Orang Asli community from Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat, and Kg. Kuala Wias are actively being carried out on two sites spanning over 2,000 acres. The Orang Asli community is expected to be relocated to new settlements by mid-2026.” Akmal Nasrullah added, in response towards the concern.
Additionally, to address community concerns and ensure their welfare, Akmal Nasrullah said that TNB has been actively engaging with local stakeholders, including the Orang Asli community, through various social responsibility programs and engagement sessions since 2014. These efforts aim to foster understanding and mitigate any adverse impacts on affected communities.
“A Public Acceptance Study conducted by UKM Pakarunding Sdn. Bhd. in 2018 revealed an increased level of acceptance of the project among directly affected residents, rising to 80% from 69.5% in 2015.
TNB anticipates finalising agreements related to Compensation and Relocation Packages with affected households by mid-2024,” he added.
The Compensation and Relocation Packages offered include provisions for comfortable housing with modern amenities, the development of rubber plantations and orchard sites for sustainable income generation, relocation allowances, and monthly living allowances until new sources of income become productive.
Moreover, TNB has committed to providing additional cash compensation to address any shortfall in estimated compensation values, particularly regarding crop losses. These payments, including compensation for lost crops, are expected to commence by 2026, ahead of the Orang Asli community’s relocation to their new settlement areas.
