The beauty of flora and fauna and the richness of biodiversity at Kenyir Lake cannot be denied. The sounds of birds chirping in the morning are exciting, bringing back memories of the old days before the Internet became widespread. The clear water is mesmerizing and calms the eyes.

Having 340 islands further validates the claim that man-made lake is the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. With a width of 260 square kilometres, it is big enough to contain fresh water to be used by hydro electric energy generator built around the 1980s. To build the lake, 90 villages had to be destroyed, including Kampung Melur, Kelitok, Berching, Petang, Mentong, Melaka, Kuala Terenggan, Kerbak, and Belimbing.

Now Kenyir Lake has become one of the must-see tourist destination. The establishment of Jenagor dam has created a source of income for residents around Hulu Terengganu. Tourists flock unique places, such as Herbal Garden, waterfalls, butterflies park, orchid garden, Bewah cave, and Kelah sanctuary. The availability of boat house for rent, which is popular among group tourists and fishing aficionados has further boosted local economic activities.

Interestingly, the indigenous community of Semaq Beri has also made part of Kenyir State Park as a place to live. The wealth from the jungle has provided a source of income for about 500 indigenous people community who sell them to third parties.

According to Professor Dr. Khatijah Omar, deputy director of the Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), the indigenous people community need to be helped to improve their quality of life and socioeconomic balance.

“The indigenous tribe at Lake Kenyir is connected to other tribes through Lake Kenyir – Kuala Tahan path.

“UMT has carried out a pioneer project involving the Semaq Beri community by organizing programmes, such as farming and handicraft production, to enhance their economy.

In terms of education, Prof. Khatijah said her team has introduced a special school named Jungle School.

“We noticed that indigenous people have not been given the opportunity to receive education, and our effort in building the Jungle School is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which is Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

She said many of the children have not mastered the skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

“A total of 20 educational slots containing fun learning activities have been carried out to attract the children to learn. Among them are This Jungle is Ours, the Market, Sing Along, Let’s Go into the Jungle, Treasure Hunt & Show and Tell,” she said.

She added UMT has played its role and carried out its responsibility well in helping the indigenous people community change their lives for the better.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu