Several Orang Asli representatives who spoke to FMT are hopeful that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will keep the community’s plight in mind, saying their situation is becoming more precarious because of rapid development.

Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) president Rashid Ka’ said the issue of land ownership must be resolved urgently, as many from their community are facing issues of encroachment, and this adversely affects their daily lives.

Rashid said logging activities must be controlled as they harm the environment, especially natural water sources like the rivers used by the community.

“Logging also causes mudslides, air pollution, and damage to village roads caused by heavy vehicles, besides the heavy presence of foreign workers,” he said.

He urged Putrajaya to consider offering cash aid or monthly food vouchers to the Orang Asli to help them deal with the rising cost of living.

“With the decline in the prices of rubber, palm oil and forest products, it is appropriate for the government to provide a one-off aid package or monthly food vouchers,” he said.

He also hoped the government would ensure 80% of the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa) is composed of professionals from the community.

Pos Legap village chief Ahab Sudin said he hoped the government would maintain subsidies for housing and second-generation farming land.

“We don’t have titles to the land, so we cannot apply for bank loans to finance the building of our homes.

“If free housing cannot be provided, then we hope to receive subsidies and permission to pay (for housing) in monthly instalments with low interest rates,” he said.

Ahab also hoped the government could resolve the issue of weak internet coverage at Orang Asli settlements so the community could generate more income through online businesses and improve access to education.