JENGKA TRIANGLE - LAND DEVELOPMENT - PART 2 1976 EXCURSIONS INTO VILLAGES AND THE REGIONAL TOWN

The removal of large areas of rainforest within the Jengka Triangle in the Highlands of Central West Malaysia was the first of the large scale projects to convert large tracts of land into commercial plantations. Part 1 in this series of 3 looked at the reasons for this development. This part concentrates on tours into the region in 1976 when the process of the development and change were in their early stages. Come on the tour and recognise by photograph, map and statements some of the realities faced by the early settlers who had moved from overcrowded areas to become part of this new venture. Also recognise that as the development proceeded that there were changes which occurred when the initial plans had not been able to foresee some of the economic and locational realities. Jengka developed within the Triangle but its workers also developed contacts with the towns on the fringe. The Regional Centre was designed to be the largest of the 3 towns to serve the settlers of the rural villages. Find out why 2 towns did not develop. Your students can also try their hand at town layout planning by using the activity sheet provided as an attachment. This unit can stand alone but it is really the middle part of the series of 3 titles. Part 3 will recognise the impacts and consequences of large scale land developments that will continue to cause debate.