KOTA BARU: There are no plans to relocate the Orang Asli Bateq community in Kuala Koh.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator P. Waytha Moorthy said the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) had never issued such a statement and the matter was never raised in the media or discussed in any departmental meetings.
“The government is concerned about the Bateq tribe. We respect their lifestyle and traditional way of life. They are more comfortable in their natural environment, and it does not make sense to relocate them.
“Furthermore, there are development projects underway in the village, including 16 houses built under the Housing Assistance Programme implemented by the Rural Development Ministry,” he said yesterday.
According to Waytha Moorthy, Jakoa would give its full cooperation to the state Health Department to vaccinate the Bateq people.
“Programmes have been planned, including the first major gotong-royong (in the area) to clean the houses and the surrounding areas of Kuala Koh to make it a better, and more comfortable and liveable place.
“Jakoa will work with the state and district Health Departments to hold a health camp programme and implement a Rural Water Supply and Sanitation project.
“It has submitted an application to the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry to supply treated water to the village,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Orang Asli Development Association of Gua Musang has rejected the proposal to relocate the Bateq tribesmen.
Its chairman, Nasir Dollah, said the proposal was unrealistic and it was not easy to implement.
“What needs to be done is to upgrade basic amenities, such as electricity, clean water resources as well as (boost) the people’s economy.
“This matter should be discussed with the tribesmen first before any decision is made.”
Jakoa Kelantan and Terengganu director Hashim Alang Abdul Hamid said the matter had yet to be decided.
“As has been stated, we will focus on the development of basic facilities and economic resources of the affected community.”
The media had previously reported that the Kelantan government was informed that Jakoa was planning to relocate the Bateq people out of Kuala Koh.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah said it was understood that the tribe would be transferred to a better place, so that their life and health could be more effectively monitored.
