‘AUTHORITIES TREATING US WELL’
They are treating us like normal human beings now, says tok batin
“THEY (the authorities) are treating us well now.” That was Raina Anjang’s description of a renewed healthcare approach by the Kelantan Health Department towards the Bateq Orang Asli community in Pos Aring 5, following complaints of sub-par treatment.
Raina, who is the community’s tok batin, said the Bateq Orang Asli in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, Kelantan, were receiving ample and regular health checks from the Health Department.
“They treat us like normal human beings now.
“We are neither living in fear nor afraid of them now,” he told the New Sunday Times when contacted.
The NST had highlighted the woes endured by the community on Thursday, which were revealed through the outbreak of
measles that claimed 15 of the tribe members’ lives.
The contagious disease had reportedly spread to other Orang Asli communities in Jerantut, Pahang, and Hulu Terengganu.
The tragedy also saw Raina, together with three other Bateq tribesmen, travelling more than 400km to meet Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Putrajaya to seek justice over the “senseless deaths”.
It was also understood that they wanted access to basic rights, such as water and electricity supply, besides better healthcare and education from the government.
“They (the Kelantan Health Department) came almost every day.
“In a day, at least one or two vehicles with eight to 10 people (medical team) will come to help the tribesmen in Kuala Koh, Aring 5 and Pos Lebir.
“They listened to our grouses and the situation is currently under control,” said Raina, adding that he hoped the government would address their needs for basic necessities.
Raina also said he and the three other Bateq tribesmen, Mohd Fazli Mamok, Muhammad Pokok and Mohd Azman Talid, did not suffer a backlash over their visit to Putrajaya.
On whether there were still any villagers stricken by measles, Raina said they would receive immediate medical treatment if the disease persisted.
Kelantan Religious and Malay Customs Council chief officer Murtadha Abdullah, in a brief comment, said the remains of the 15 Muslim Bateq tribesmen were expected to be buried today.
The council had made necessary preparations for the burial and the remains would be buried in one grave.