The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (the commission) is troubled by recent reports of deaths of Orang Asli children from the Jahai tribe in Sungai Kejar, Perak.

As Orang Asli children often live in remote areas which generally lack basic social services including education and healthcare, incidents such as these demonstrate clearly and reinforce the need for stronger and more effective action to ensure that the basic human rights of the Orang Asli are respected and protected.

The commission reiterates that everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, and the government is responsible for promoting, protecting and fulfilling all human rights of all persons.

Furthermore, the right to health for indigenous peoples is stipulated in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which also recognises their right to traditional medicines and the maintenance of their traditional health practices (Article 24).

Although it is acknowledged that the Orang Asli rarely seek medical attention in government hospitals, the commission is of the view that greater efforts and measures must be taken by the authorities, in particular the Ministry of Health and the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) to reach out to the community and educate them on health-related matters.

The commission is also appalled that Jakoa, which is responsible for the well-being of, the delivery of services and for facilitating the development of policy and programmes that deliver sustainable economic, environmental and social benefits to the Orang Asli, were themselves unaware of the health status and conditions of the Jahai children as reported; and is of the view that theoretical application of their current healthcare policies and practices has failed to benefit this marginalised and vulnerable population.

The commission therefore recalls its recommendations in its Report on the National Inquiry on the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in particular urges for an independent and comprehensive review of Jakoa.

The commission also hopes that the authorities will take immediate action to investigate the reports of these deaths, and take urgent and immediate action, where necessary.

DR KHAW LAKE TEE is acting chairperson, The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).