Sometimes after a heavy downpour, the water turns murky as the rain washes the freshly exposed soil from these newly excavated areas into the lake. On other days the water in the lake turns a beautiful green. Our otter friends prefer to frolic in the tributaries where the water is clear and shallow. This is also their feeding ground. They have a voracious appetite, almost like mine, and their best hunting hours are in the early mornings and late evenings. When I feel like a game of play-tag, I head down to the river to their dens. They are a playful lot and can get a little taxing chasing them around in the water.

Mother warns us from time to time the dangers of 'TokHarimau', the resident tiger who roams around our parts of the jungle. He is a big old fellow and is the most feared jungle inhabitant. Most times he keeps at arm's length from our herd but if he has an opportunity he would never hesitate to attack any of the younger ones. But we have a very closed-knit family and are extremely protective of our younger ones, so we have been blessed and no harm has befallen on any of us yet. It is not so fortunate for the wildboars in the area. Although the adults are capable of defending themselves, the piglets are exposed to all kinds of danger. These young ones may not fill TokHarimau's belly but would be a nice little snack before bedtime.

There is so much for us to do at Kenyir. The humans seem to enjoy it too. They especially like trekking to the waterfalls for a dip. The rushing water is icy cold! I get all goose pimply thinking about it. But after the initial gasp and shudder upon splashing into the water, it is quite an invigorating and refreshing experience. I have seen the more active ones paddling down the river peering every now and then into their odd goggle-eyed contraption (binoculars). I think they're out on the lake trying to spot us! When it comes down to the patience game, I must say that we jungle inhabitants win hands down. And moreover, we are fully equipped in our jungle-camouflaged gear whereas the humans are too conspicuous in theirs. Perhaps my sisters and I should add 'human-spotting' to our hobby list!

The twilight hour is the best time of the day. This is when we come out of our cover to rummage in areas which are off limits to us in the day. The night steals the hours from the day. The rapid pulse of the earth slows down to a lull. Cool blanket of mist covers the lake and beyond. The owls and bats begin their hunt; the bullfrog's mating calls echo into the stillness of the night as we march in single file to other areas where there is enough food for the family.

My family have lived in Tasik Kenyir for generations and we hope to continue living here for many generations more. There is so much beauty in our home and Nenek says that if we live in harmony with our surroundings, we will have many more years of peace and happiness here. We call this place home as like all our jungle friends do. Perhaps humans may one day enjoy and appreciate our jungles the way they used to..

 

Update on the place

Reports in the National media recently has been highlightling the deplorable state that parts of Tasik Kenyir is in due to the excessive logging close to the dam area. Aprroximately 4,250 hectares of forest around the dam has been given out for logging. Places effected such as the Sungai Petuang, Sauk waterfall, Bukit Simpul and Pulau Sumas are suffering soil erosion and sharp drop in the fish population, this being that many of the nursery areas for the fish species are now polluted. Although, authorities state that uncontrolled fishing is to be blamed for the sharp drop in fish stock, they should not overlook the logging factor as a large contributor to this problem. Tasik Kenyir is now in grave disposition and the consequences of excessive logging has created environmental damage that may not recover...not for at least a century or so.

Logging around dams is not a new venture. But to think that these dams provide our homes with drinking water, perhaps there should be much more control over such damaging activities. Furthermore, the chopping down of forests around dams will reduce the rainfall activity in the area.

As for Gajah Ali, perhaps there won't be a place for him any longer, if this continues and the pressing news become jaded, old news. It's so easy to forget but not for the elephants...

Date: 24th April 2003

back to tasik kenyir story...

JM Travel Tools...

make your travel plans easier... use our tools!