LOCALS living near Tasik Berombak in Setiu, Terengganu, often warn outsiders to be vigilant when heading towards the freshwater lake.
Nestled amid a melaleuca forest, the area is said to be the haunt of spirits and orang bunian (supernatural folk) according to folklore.
Dotting the outskirts are several fishing villages such as Kampung Pengkalan Gelap and Kampung Fikri.
Long-time resident Rokiah Che, who runs a sundry shop nearby, heard tales of a giant cat keeping watch on the forest.
“In the early 1990s, tracts of the forest were cleared to make way for plantations and aquafarming activities.
“Not long after, rumours spread about a huge cat-like spirit scaring away those who came to clear the area,” she said.
Nurhusnina Azni, who is part of a team conducting a tree-planting exercise there, was told about a white crocodile “guarding” the forest.
Her team had set up a temporary nursery in Kampung Pengkalan Gelap to grow melaleuca saplings to be planted around the lake.
“When I first set out to Tasik Berombak, some locals warned me to watch my back.
“They said the crocodile would appear and hunt me if I have bad intentions,” she said.
Another villager, Rokiah Seman said legend had it that only those with a good heart could travel inside the area unharmed.
“As long as you are mindful and not cause damage to the environment, you have nothing to fear,” she said.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Assoc Prof Dr Jamilah Mohd Salim said she too had heard supernatural stories about the area.
She had been on research expeditions with fellow lecturers and students to gather data at the lake and nearby forest.
“There is a mound there which locals claim was the burial site of past warriors and chieftains.
“For this reason, they say it is haunted by orang bunian and have left the spot untouched.
“Whatever the truth is, it is probably best to be respectful of the area nonetheless,” she said. — By FARID WAHAB
