Need to address root cause

SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) is extremely saddened by the deaths and ill health of the Bateq community living in Kampung Koh, Gua Musang, Kelantan. It is indeed shocking that days have gone by and the government authorities have yet to ascertain the actual cause of the deaths and the deterioration of health among the Bateq people.

While we welcome the emergency meeting called by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to give special attention to the issue, SAM is of the view that it is not enough to just tackle the immediate health issues plaguing this Orang Asli community. There is an urgent need to address the root causes that led to the deterioration of their health.