THE cumulative effects of mining and plantation activities in Kelantan’s forests over the last decade are believed to be the cause of 14 recent deaths among the Bateq tribe in Kg Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, said an activist.

These activities have contaminated water sources that the Orang Asli rely on, said Johan Halid, president of civil society group Sahabat Jariah.

“Contaminated water is one thing, another is there is no (proper) food supply,” he told The Malaysian Insight when contacted about news reports on the 14 deaths.

Sahabat Jariah highlighted river pollution and deaths of 12 Orang Asli in Kuala Koh over the Ramadan period last month, on its Facebook page on June 4.

Today, Sinar Harian reported that 14 Orang Asli had died, including a one-year-old. The latest death was recorded yesterday of a 22-year-old woman.  

The Malay daily also reported the villagers’ claim that the source of their contaminated river water was residue from an iron ore mine that started operations four years ago.

Johan said the surrounding area is contaminated with residue from mining and plantation activities, such as agricultural pesticides and chemicals used in mine blasting that have seeped into waterways.

Continuous exposure of the Orang Asli to the residue through use of river water have left the villagers with a weak immune system, he added.

“The impact has been ongoing since the last 10 years.

“According to the Department of Environment, the (predominant) cause is the plantations because of the pesticides and fertilisers used and they wash into the river when it rains.”

Asked if the contamination has been verified by chemical analysis, Johan said samples have been taken by various parties, including the Chemical Department after some of the earlier deaths were reported.

Results of the tests are yet to be known.

However, he said a university researcher had conducted tests on surrounding rivers and found high chemical content.

He said another public university researcher will be collecting more water samples for testing tomorrow.

The rivers affected are Sg Pertang and Sg Lebir, where families from the Bateq tribe live on its bank, according to Sahabat Jariah.

Water, Land and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji has acknowledged the possibility that the deaths can be the result of long-term pollution caused by mining and plantation activities.

Zulpuri told Free Malaysia Today that he found that tin and iron ore mines operating in the area managed their residual run-off poorly during a visit to the area in December.

“I’m not accusing, I’m saying it’s a big possibility that chemicals from the mines have entered the river and contaminated it,” he was quoted as saying.

However, conflicting figures have emerged on the total death toll.  

While Sabahat Jariah and Sinar Harian reported 14 deaths since Ramadan, police in Gua Musang told Bernama today that they only have information on the deaths of two adults on May 29.

According to Sinar Harian, the first death had been reported on May 2. Some of the deceased were said to be buried in the jungle as per tribal customs.

The Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa), meanwhile, has been working on transporting affected villagers to hospitals in Gua Musang and Kuala Krai.

Around 200 Orang Asli, comprising 50 families, live in villages in the area.

About 50 people so far have sought treatment – 20 at hospital and 30 at health clinics.

Johan said transporting the villagers out has been a tough task given the remote location.

“There are still a lot more people who are in inaccessible areas. They will need to walk out to get transport.

“Some of them do not have identity cards while the kids don’t have birth certificates.”

More mobile medics from the Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak are expected to visit the area next week.

According to its Facebook page, Sahabat Jariah conducts charity activities in Orang Asli villages.

The Bateq people in the area are still hunting and gathering from the forest for their food supply.

This sometimes entails a three-kilometre journey by foot that could stretch into a two- to three-day hike.

“Normally, the men go into the jungle to find food and it sometimes takes two to three days for them to return.

“During that time, the women and children in the village might not eat much until the men return,” said Johan, adding that many of the Orang Asli villagers are malnourished.

He said Sahabat Jariah will be visiting the area in the next few days with food supplies.

He added that the Social Welfare Department has been informed of the villagers’ need for food. – June 8, 2019.