DPM: Orang Asli in Kuala Koh recovered, 'singing and playing guitar'

The Bateq Orang Asli tribe in Kuala Koh, Kelantan, have recovered from the measles outbreak which claimed 15 lives, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

This is based on a Whatsapp message she had received regarding their current status.

“I received a report via Whatsapp that the Orang Asli have recovered. (They are) playing guitar and singing.

“Alhamdudillah (Thank God), they have returned to their normal activities,” she told reporters in Putrajaya this afternoon.

Wan Azizah (above), who is also women, family and community development minister, said the government has instructed the relevant ministries to resolve the problems faced by the Orang Asli in Kampung Kuala Koh, especially water supply.

Responding to a question on the water tank in the area being dry since April, she replied that water is essential.

“... They must have water. This is a basic need which must be provided to them. The Orang Asli are also Malaysians,” she stressed.

Wan Azizah also confirmed that the government has not received any reports regarding the contamination of the river in the area.

Although samples taken have not shown contamination, the deputy premier said she told the cabinet that their water source must be improved because of mining and logging activities near the village in Gua Musang.

Previously, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Orang Asli in Kampung Kuala Koh are immunocompromised as a result of malnourishment.

His predecessor Dr S Subramaniam lamented that deaths from measles should not happen in this day and age.

“As most of us know, measles is very often a self-limiting illness which, in most instances, requires only supportive treatment in otherwise healthy individuals.

"In the case of the Orang Asli, it has taken a very unfortunate and serious turn. It reflects on the inability of the Orang Asli to defend themselves against such illness due to malnutrition, and probably poor immune defence. Otherwise, they will not die," he had said.

- Mkini