Bags of rice distributed to Orang Asli in Slim River

Orang Asli villagers in Slim River picking up the bags of rice donated by the Orang Asli Development Cooperative.

SOME 80 Orang Asli households in three villages in Slim River have received bags of rice from a non-governmental organisation to help them during the movement control order (MCO) period.

Orang Asli Development Cooperative founder Ramesh Arumugam Chettiar said he managed to collect funds from friends to buy rice for the villagers in Sungai Bill, Kampung Gesau and part of Kampung Bangkung.

“I am not able to travel due to the MCO.

“As such, the money was given to the respective village Tok Batins to buy the rice and distribute it to the villagers, ” he said.

It was reported that some Orang Asli in the state were struggling to get food supply following the enforcement of the MCO on March 18.

Perak and Kedah Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director Harulnizam Abd Rahman had also said they were looking for suppliers who were willing to help Orang Asli settlements get food supply.

Ramesh said the Orang Asli could not go out to tap rubber and sell the latex due to the MCO.

“I was informed by the Tok Batins that many vendors had also closed their operations, affecting Orang Asli’s source of income.

“Due to all this, some villagers had not eaten for several days, ” he said, adding that he would try to get more donations to distribute to the Orang Asli to buy food.