Cameron MP urges gov't to set up investigation committee on Orang Asli deaths
Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor has urged the government to set up a special investigation committee to hasten the process in determining the cause behind the deaths of 14 Orang Asli in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang.
In a statement issued last night, the country's first Orang Asli parliamentarian said the committee should also come out with a report and recommendations on its findings...
Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor has urged the government to set up a special investigation committee to hasten the process in determining the cause behind the deaths of 14 Orang Asli in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang.
In a statement issued last night, the country's first Orang Asli parliamentarian said the committee should also come out with a report and recommendations on its findings.
"This is important to prevent future occurrence," Ramli said.
There are allegations that the deaths were caused by mining activities resulting in contamination of the river serving as the tribe's water source.
"However, I don't want to point fingers at any party without an investigation and a scientific study to confirm the actual cause of the outbreak and deaths.
"For me, human lives are not political games. I urge the Pakatan Harapan government to look at the issue seriously," he said.
Without elaborating, Ramli (photo, below) said he will raise several proposals and questions on the mysterious deaths to several ministries, including the Health Ministry, the Prime Minister's Department and the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry, during the next Dewan Rakyat sitting which begins on July 1.
"Malaysians, especially the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, will be able to assess, and compare the policies and efforts on the ground (from the government) to assist the community.
"The ministers' replies will show whether this is just rhetoric, lip service, being evasive or whether Putrajaya really cares about the well-being of the Orang Asli," he said.
The nation was shocked with the 14 deaths involving the Bateq tribe in Kuala Koh since May. However, the government could only confirm two of the deaths.
As of yesterday, the cause of the outbreak, which attacks the respiratory system of those affected, was still unknown.
The authorities were still unable to locate the 12 other bodies as the tribe has been moving around.
The police have been asked to help locate the bodies.
As of noon yesterday, the unidentified disease has affected 99, or 53.5 percent of the 185 villagers, with 40 of them having received outpatient treatment.
Another 41 were hospitalised in normal wards and four in intensive care units at various medical facilities in Gua Musang and Kuala Krai.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.