Development of impact assessment instruments for renewable energy investments in Orang Asli communities

Background and Purpose: The transition to renewable energy is crucial for sustainability, but its impact on marginalized communities, such as the Orang Asli in Malaysia, is insufficiently explored. This study aims to develop culturally sensitive impact assessment tools to evaluate renewable energy projects' effects on the Orang Asli. The purpose is to create a comprehensive framework that ensures these projects are socially, economically, and environmentally inclusive. Methodology: This study used the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and prioritize key impact indicators. A panel of 12 experts from diverse fields provided input through surveys in multiple rounds. The FDM identified seven main indicators and 25 sub-indicators related to health, living standards, education, service delivery, cultural preservation, skills development, and safety. AHP was then used to rank the importance of these indicators. Findings: The study identified seven critical impact indicators: health quality, economic diversification, education, cultural preservation, service delivery, skills development, and safety. Health quality was the most important, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare access and disease prevention. Economic diversification, education, and stakeholder engagement were also prioritized as essential for long-term sustainability and resilience. Contributions: This study offers a culturally sensitive framework for assessing renewable energy impacts on marginalized communities. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and energy developers to ensure that renewable energy transitions are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the needs of indigenous communities, with broader global applicability. Keywords: Renewable energy, Orang Asli, impact assessment, Fuzzy Delphi method, Analytic Hierarchy process.