Pulau Carey Orang Asli dismayed by lack of consultation on port expansion

 

The Mah Meri Orang Asli community in Kampung Sungai Kurau, Pulau Carey, has voiced disappointment with the Selangor government over the approval of a port expansion project that will affect their livelihood and customary land.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Kampung Sungai Kurau Village Development and Security Committee chairperson Lanuza Layon, 52, claimed that locals were never consulted transparently before the project's approval was announced.

“We are very disappointed to find out the transport minister said the project has been approved, and the Selangor menteri besar said there was an agreement.

“I do not know when they met our community, and I do not know when he discussed it with us. That is what we wanted to say: We are extremely disappointed,” he said.

He was referring to statements by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, which gave the impression that the project had received widespread consensus.

Kampung Sungai Kurau Village Development and Security Committee chairperson Lanuza Layon

On Dec 12 last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the development of the third Port Klang terminal in Pulau Carey could no longer be delayed.

He said it is a critical strategic project to strengthen Malaysia's position in the regional port and logistics sector, after chairing a meeting on the project that was also attended by Amirudin and Loke.

“This project has been planned for a long time and should no longer be delayed.

“Alhamdulillah, the federal government and the Selangor government reached an agreement to move the development as soon as possible so that the benefits of this development can be enjoyed by the people and open up new economic opportunities," Anwar said.

However, he gave an assurance that although development is being expedited, the interests of the Orang Asli, locals, fisherfolk, and ecosystem sustainability must be a priority.

Daily activities disrupted

Elaborating, Lanuza, who is a coastal fisherfolk in Pulau Carey, said the beach area in front of their village is the only source of livelihood for residents, most of whom depend entirely on marine products harvested there.

He said the presence of large ships anchored in the area has already begun to disrupt the daily activities of fisherfolk, including difficulties in setting nets.

“That is our only source of income, our daily livelihood. If they want to close (the sea), how are we to live?

“When people say the lives of the Orang Asli in Pulau Carey are guaranteed, where is that guarantee? I don’t know,” he added.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari

Sinar Harian reported Amirudin as saying that the matter will be referred to the state executive council meeting soon to obtain a comprehensive explanation.

He said the state government will look into the protest by residents who claim the Westports expansion project threatens their survival.

Previously, the Mah Meri community in the village said their area had been gazetted since 1921, but now faces threats following the proposed port development.

The 238 residents claimed they have not been properly consulted by the developer, even though the project directly impacts their customary land and fishing areas.

Besides the economy, residents worry that the development will destroy their cultural heritage, especially the Mah Meri wood carving art, which has received recognition from Unesco. - Mkini