The government has been criticised for overlooking the Orang Asli settlements in the interiors of Gua Musang, as it failed to provide prompt assistance and aid during the massive East Coast floods last month.

Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Kelantan (Jkoak), in a press statement today, said most of the aid had come from NGOs, statutory bodies, political parties and private companies.

“There is hardly any aid given amid the disaster, unlike other areas like Gua Musang (town), Kuala Krai, Manek Urai and Kota Bharu which received immediate assistance from the authorities.

“We are deeply disappointed with the government bodies, particularly the Orang Asli Affairs Department (Jakoa) which failed to carry out its responsibility in taking care of our welfare,” said the NGO.

Despite appeals for help that grew increasingly desperate, Jakoa did little to help the Orang Asli and instead accused them of threatening the department, it said.

Jkoak added that the massive flood has caused damages to the main bridges, and had brought about landslides and water pollution.

'Deprived of food, health supplies'

It stressed that Jakoa's slow response in repairing damaged roads have resulted in Orang Asli villagers being deprived of food and health supplies.

At present, he noted that supplies are only being provided to villages accessible by helicopter.

Jkoak said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim (left) had finally visited the region last Thursday, weeks after the flood disaster.

However, it said the minister was not hands-on and that the visit was mostly handled by his officials.

Jkoak urged the federal and state government to urgently deliver aids to the cut-off Orang Asli villagers.

"Jkoak also demands the state government to urgently cancel the dam projects, freeze logging licenses and halt mega (commercial) plantation and mining in the interiors," it said.

The NGO noted that the severity of the recent floods was, in part, contributed by these activities.