GUA MUSANG: More than 10 tonnes of rice have been distributed to 5,500 Orang Asli residents in the Nenggiri constituency here, in preparation for the monsoon season.
Nenggiri assemblyman Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani said for this purpose, a total of RM36,000 was allocated to help alleviate the burden of rural communities.
“Recently, the Nenggiri service centre, in collaboration with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), delivered 1,210 kilogrammes of rice to Pos Tohoi for 242 heads of households from the Temiar tribe under the Kembara Rakyat Nenggiri programme,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after handing over the rice aid, he said the current rainy weather has affected the daily routines of the Orang Asli, who largely depend on farming activities.
He added that rice had previously been distributed in Pos Simpor, Pos Pasik, Kuala Wook and Pos Pulat.
Meanwhile, Pos Tohoi head Zainal Chali, 54, said the unpredictable weather had prevented residents from working, thereby reducing their daily income.
He said the villagers are affected as most of them rely on traditional livelihoods such as rubber tapping, farming and collecting forest produce full-time.
“This aid is a relief as it helps ease the burden of villagers who are unable to work due to the frequent rain. We did not expect to receive this assistance today as food baskets are usually only given during the Northeast Monsoon when residents are stranded in the villages,” he added. – BERNAMA
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