Killer measles in our modern age? Putrajaya must encourage Orang Asli’s to be vaccinated now!

Wanita MCA is shocked that in this modern age, where immunisation against infectious diseases is easily obtainable from any hospital or clinic, measles has been found to be the mysterious killer behind the 14 deaths which afflicted the Bateq tribe in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, Kelantan. The death toll has since climbed to 15 with the latest mortality reported on 17 June 2019. Health Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reported that 37 out of 112 cases sampled tested positive for the measles virus.

Healthcare is universal and accessibility to medical services and treatment are a human right. If the Orang Asli’s settlement are located deep inland, then it is incumbent on the Ministry of Health to coordinate with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and liaise with the Tok Batins of the respective villages to bring mobile clinics to indigenous Malaysians. Deworming medicines must be given to both Orang Asli adults and children, and likewise, for every known newborn, they must be inoculated against infectious diseases.

The Health Ministry and JAKOA should also educate the Orang Asli communities on what infectious diseases are, and how they are easily treated in this modern age.

Orang Asli’s must have access to continuous clean water supplies

Separately, Wanita MCA is equally in disbelief, then utilities like clean treated water which urbanites and even semi urban small town folks take for granted is a privilege to some Orang Asli communities in Kelantan as reported in The Malaysian Insight (18 June 2019) whereby they are dependent on rainfall into wells for water while rivers are another source of water.  

As land is a state matter, and licences for logging, mining or palm oil cultivation must be obtained from the Kelantan state government, we urge the state and local authorities to ensure that logging and land cultivation are sustainable exercises and not massive land stripping or siltation into rivers from uncontrolled deforestation, thereby depriving the Orang Asli of clean, unpolluted water sources.

Meanwhile, as JAKOA has confirmed that Budget 2019 has allocated RM100 million for the development and welfare of the Orang Asli community nationwide, JAKOA must ensure that infrastructure development derived from government allocation must be functional, and not merely constructed as a showpieces. Whatever pipes, hydrants constructed and irrigation deployed must have running water and filtration too. These amenities should be flowing with water, and not dry on the inside, but appear new and modern on the surface. As an immediate measure, Putrajaya should liaise with the Kelantan state government and assist the Orang Asli’s in constructing wells and identify spots to build permanent water pipes, pumps, tanks and filtration for the much needed water supply.

Since 1990, PAS has ruled Kelantan state. Yet, as The Malaysian Insight article suggests, for decades, the Orang Asli’s in Kelantan have been neglected. Sadly, it had to take a largescale mortality for attention to be given to their plight. So, on behalf of the welfare of the indigenous people, and upon the spirit of equality and basic human rights, I humbly appeal to the PAS state government, JAKOA and the Health Ministry under the Pakatan-led federal government to please take immediate action to prevent further poor health, malnourishment and mortalities among the Orang Asli’s

Datuk Heng Seai Kie
Wanita MCA Chairman

-MCA online-