An Orang Asli community in Selangor claim that their livelihood is being threatened by the poisons used in oil palm plantations near their settlement.

Representing the 400- strong community in Pulau Carey, Diman,43, said they could no longer rely on fishing as the rivers are "contaminated with chemicals".

The plantations are located along the Langat river, which used to be a major source of food and income for the indigenous community.

Diman, who lives with his nine children in Kampung Sungai Bumbun and does odd-jobs for a living, said the situation becomes worse when it rains heavily as residues of the chemicals can be found on the river surface.

He lamented that he could no longer continue the livelihood of his forefathers due to this problem.

"The fishes are dead, and the river is muddy and filthy," said the member of the Mahmeri tribe.

"We are sad as we are unable to eat fish anymore and people like me who come from a family of fisherfolk can't do our work properly," he added.

Diman was speaking at the People's Caravan for food sovereignty event yesterday. The Caravan, organised by Pesticides Action Network Asia-Pacific (PAN-AP) and local host Tenaganita, is journeying through Malaysia after kicking off in Penang on Aug 31.

It will also travel to 13 countries in Asia and three in Europe before culminating in Nepal at the end of the month.

Health problems

Meanwhile, a vegetable grower, who wanted to be known only as Kok, said the community has made a conscious effort not to work in the plantation sector as it uses 'harmful' pesticides.

"We saw it with our own eyes," he said, referring to paraquat, the herbicide commonly used in oil palm plantations.

"Ever since the plantations came, our families are becoming more sickly. We start having many health problems like rashes, headaches and aches in our bodies," added, the 54-year-old father of eight.

Many Orang Asli have resorted to growing their own fruits and vegetables to earn a living. But Kok said this is barely enough to feed his family.

However, their produce is slowly gaining popularity as people flock to their markets to purchase "pesticide-free" fruits and vegetables.

Kok said if things are good he could earn up to RM200 per month selling chilies, bananas and pepper.

Save Ourselves (SOS) coordinator Ong Boon Keong, who was present at the gathering, shared his views and struggles in organic farming, which he has been practising for several years.

Ong, who resides in Penang, warned that companies will insist that their poisons are safe.

"But if these chemicals can kill insects, don't you think they can kill you too?" he asked and a resounding 'yes' was heard from the participants.

"We are gambling with our lives if we use pesticides," he stressed.

SUSAN LOONE is a researcher at Pesticide Action Network Asia-Pacific, a regional non-governmental organisation based in Penang, Malaysia.