That is the predicament faced by Orang Asli settlements and residents staying in Dengkil, Selangor.

A check by FMT revealed that three settlements – Kampung Orang Asal Bukit Tunggul Block A, Block B and Block C – had not received electricity or water supply since the country gained Independence.

Another settlement there, Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Jenuk, only just received water supply but does not have electricity supply. Most of its residents work as labourers in Bangi, Kajang, Dengkil and Putrajaya.

The Express Rail Link (ERL) service runs through the settlements and the resplendent administrative buildings in Presint 4, Putrajaya, are also clearly visible from this forgotten land.

The villages comprise mostly of Orang Asli of the Temuan and the Mah Meri tribes, as well as a handful of Malays and Indians.

Of the settlements, Kampung Orang Asal Bukit Tunggul is in the worst state, with no proper drainage system as well.

Residents have to use the toilets situated outside these canvas-walled houses.

This raises the question – why are these Orang Asli left out from the march of development when they are staying so close to the nation’s administrative capital?