onAn observation by Bernama at Kampung Gerdong, which was the temporary settlement site of Semaq Beri tribe, found nearly 26 camps and huts were built in the village area. — Bernama pic
Ibrahim Awang, 75, who is the Semaq Beri tribe headman said the people moved in stages after realising the presence of several people from Kuala Koh and was later informed that the Batek tribe people ran away from a mysterious illness that hit their community and caused so many deaths. A crisis has hit the Batek people in Kampung Kuala Koh whereby within a space of a month 14 people from the village died of mysterious circumstances.
The settlement of the Semaq Beri tribe or known as the people of the jungle started 35 years ago when they shifted from Kenyir Lake following the water plant construction and the development in the lake. “I understand that it is their lifestyle to move from one place to another, but it gives a poor impact on their children. Some of them have promised to return to Sungai Berua in a few days. So far, there are no health cases in Sungai Berua,” he told Bernama.