An Orang Asli of the Temiar tribe, Anglah Angah, 41, of Kampung Kelaik, Pos Blau, said he had to pay more than RM50 for a packet of 10kg rice or RM20 for a 5kg packet and RM5 for a packet of 1kg sugar.

He said he was forced to go to Gua Musang, which is almost 100km away, to get food supplies at a cheaper price.

“There are eight members in my family, so 10kg of rice can only last for a week.

“Today, I travelled almost 100km by motorbike to come to Gua Musang town to get cheaper rice at only RM39 for 10kg,” he said when met by reporters in Bandar Baru here.

Another Orang Asli, Along Uda, 30, said the majority of residents earned their living by selling forest products and their income was not much.

“Most of us sell bamboo in Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands (Pahang), at a price of RM0.50 per stick. The price of bamboo is getting cheaper but the price of rice and other food is increasing.

“We are really affected by the current situation. Before, we could rely on tapioca, but now even tapioca is difficult to get because most of the area has been developed for the Musang King durian project,” he said.

The co-chairman of the Gua Musang Consumer Movement, Zamzani Harun, said they had been receiving complaints from the Orang Asli about the high prices of goods in their settlements.

“They complained that the price of rice had risen sharply and are seeking our assistance to monitor the situation.

“We have informed the domestic trade and cost of living ministry about it and hope they take the necessary action,” he said.