Kampung Penghulu 5 headman Raina Anjang said that over the last three years, about 100 children in the village, aged between seven and 12, had quit school.

He said now the nearest school was Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pasir Linggi, located 100km from the village.

He said the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) provided vehicles to send the pupils to the SK Pasir Linggi hostel.

Despite this, Raina said most parents did not want their children to stay in the hostel as they were too young and not ready to take care of themselves.

They were also worried about their children’s safety while at the hostel.

A father, Sabri Sabtu, 30, said the school was too far away and families were not happy that their children would have to stay at the hostel.

He also said that some 30 secondary school students had dropped out of school. The nearest secondary school was Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Paloh, located 80km from their village.

“I have three children, two of whom used to be in primary school. Now, all three are no longer going to school because they do not want to stay in the hostel,” Sabri said.