Malaysiakini photo exhibition on Orang Asli facing river pollution

Summary:

• Kini News Lab held a photo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur showcasing river pollution caused by iron mining in Gua Musang, Kelantan, that is threatening Orang Asli lives.

• The event featured a forum with Orang Asli representatives and experts, highlighting health risks, environmental damage, and wildlife threats caused by forest clearing.

• Orang Asli representative Ahak Uda called for the restoration of native customary land and solutions to address river pollution impacting their community.

Kini News Lab held a photo exhibition today highlighting river pollution threatening the lives of the Orang Asli community in Kampung Kelaik, Gua Musang, Kelantan.

The exhibition was held at the Forest Research Centre in Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur.

The programme, which began at 11am, showcased the work of Malaysiakini journalists and photographers on the safety and health risks faced by the Orang Asli due to iron mining activities in the area.

In addition to the photo exhibition, the event included a forum featuring Orang Asli representatives and experts on environmental safety.

Malaysiakini journalist S Vinothaa and photographer Azneal Ishak, who contributed to the special report, shared their experiences in the field.

Orang Asli representative Ahak Uda expressed hope that challenges faced by the community can be resolved humanely, including the restoration of native customary land that had been taken from them.

“My hope is for us to be assisted fairly and humanely.

“Between our water problems and being unable to go to the river – I cannot guarantee (the Orang Asli would stay away from the river). We just seek help to resolve the river (pollution) issue.

“We want (native customary) land to be returned to the Orang Asli. Regardless of race or nationality, land is essential,” he said.

Ahak explained that forest clearing activities in the area have not only affected their health but also posed threats to wildlife.

Several days ago, Malaysiakini published a series of special reports on the Orang Asli community’s fight against iron mining in Kelantan’s forests.

The iron mining activities have polluted rivers, endangering the safety of the community.

Malaysiakini also highlighted concerns from the Orang Asli over the impact of pollution on their children.

K'tan iron ore exports fuelling environment damage, affecting Orang Asli's health

PSM: Fed govt can't wash hands off 'chromium poisoning' in K'tan

Ministry probes case of heavy metals found in Orang Asli blood

'Halt mining until chromium poisoning source known'

Heavy metals in K'tan Orang Asli blood, community fears mine poisoning