Individuals or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must get a permit from the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) before organising any community service programme or sending aid to Orang Asli settlements.
Deputy Minister of Rural Development Abdul Rahman Mohamad in a statement today said this is in accordance with Section 14 and 15 of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954.
He said the matter was raised as several people and NGOs had entered the Orang Asli villages without permission to organise breaking of fast programmes or to send aid, adding that some had come from Covid-19 red zone areas.
Abdul Rahman said besides breaching the regulations imposed by the National Security Council, it was feared that these people could spread the virus to the Orang Asli community.
"As such, Jakoa is appealing to all individuals, groups, and NGOs to comply with this directive, more so with the surge of Covid-19 cases in the country," he said.
Jakoa would also like to thank all parties who showed concern and had worked with the department to assist the Orang Asli community by giving welfare assistance, but we need to stress that safety is our main concern, he added.
- Bernama
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