ORANG Asli development director-general Sapiah Nor has been criticised by Orang Asli groups after she accused them of trying to sow discord in the community. 

Sapiah had earlier told Utusan Malaysia that several civil society organisations (CSO) representing the community said they had to stir up issues related to Orang Asli land or else they would lose their funding.  

Sapiah, however, did not identify her informants, saying the matter came to light after an engagement session between the department and the CSOs. 

She added that certain parties were against the development of Orang Asli territories.  

Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia dismissed Sapiah’s claims, saying it was “shocking” for the director-general to make such an allegation. 

“The alleged claims by the NGO leaders mentioned by the director-general are not only untrue, but also belittles the struggles of the Orang Asli NGOs. 

“It also implies that the NGOs can be easily manipulated by other parties for their own benefit,” said the network’s chairman, Tijah Yok Chopil. 

Tijah urged Sapiah to reveal the names of the groups and leaders involved. 

“We hope the director-general is ready to take responsibility for her statement and that she is sincere in clearing the air.” – November 5, 2023.