Orang Asli trapped by landslides: 'Too dangerous, we need supplies via heli'
Three days ago at the Orang Asli village of Kampung Genting Peras in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Tina Esat said she was at home taking shelter from the continuous downpour when she suddenly heard an explosion from outside.
Startled, the villagers went outside to take a look and discovered that major landslides had destroyed the only road leading to their village as well as inundating four houses with mud and debris.
Now, the village of about 300 people is mostly...
Three days ago at the Orang Asli village of Kampung Genting Peras in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Tina Esat said she was at home taking shelter from the continuous downpour when she suddenly heard an explosion from outside.
Startled, the villagers went outside to take a look and discovered that major landslides had destroyed the only road leading to their village as well as inundating four houses with mud and debris.
Now, the village of about 300 people is mostly cut off from the outside world with them having to trek on foot for about two to three hours to reach the nearest settlement for supplies.
“Our village area never used to have floods, never used to have landslides, but since this year, it has become like this.
“Because the rain just stopped, we are scared to make the trek out because we are worried that there may be more landslides.
“We have to walk really very far and it is so dangerous,” Tina said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.
Currently, the supplies are not sufficient as it is difficult for the villagers to reach the drop-off point, she said.
They are still very much in need of basic necessities such as rice, cooking oil, salt, milk and diapers for the babies, soap, medicines and petrol.
Helicopter too expensive
Tina said she has been trying to ask for supplies and aid to be sent to their village via helicopter as she believes that is the safest and most efficient way.
However, she has been told that it is too expensive to send them supplies using a helicopter.
“If it is too expensive, what will happen to us?” she lamented.
Major flash floods occurred in various parts of the country last weekend, affecting states such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca, among others.
Thousands have been displaced from their homes and the flood has yet to fully subside in many areas.
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