Covid-19 - Orang Asli tribe seeks refuge in forest for 10th time
Residents of Kampung Orang Asli Bateq in Kuala Koh, Kelantan have sought refuge in the forest for the tenth time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the New Straits Times, some 300 villages decided to leave the village four days ago when news of escalating Covid-19 infection numbers hit.
Residents of Kampung Orang Asli Bateq in Kuala Koh, Kelantan have sought refuge in the forest for the tenth time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the New Straits Times, some 300 villages decided to leave the village four days ago when news of escalating Covid-19 infection numbers hit.
The report quoted Papan Majid, 47, a resident as saying the death of 15 villagers a year ago due to a measles outbreak was still fresh in their memories and this added to their fears.
Papan lost two daughters to the outbreak. In all, 112 villagers had to be treated for measles.
"We have been moving frequently into the forest since the Covid-19 pandemic began on March 18 because the (measles outbreak) keeps playing on our minds, and we only return home once every two weeks.
"In the last seven months since the pandemic began, we have been living with unease and we are worried that we are exposed to the virus," he said.
The report also cited Pikas Langsat, 35, who said the jungle could sustain the tribe and protect them.
"We feel protected from the pandemic when we stay in the forest and we move to other areas after two weeks," Pikas said.
In April, a TV9 news crew had accompanied volunteers who brought food and supplies to the villagers when the country was under a Covid-19 lockdown. However, they found the village empty.
