GLOBAL Peace Foundation Malaysia has raised more than RM37,000 for 1,000 Orang Asli families in Pahang affected by the movement-control order (MCO).

Under the #RAISEFORFOOD campaign, the group shines a light on the issues faced by Orang Asli villagers in the state during the enforcement of the restriction order to curb the spread of Covid-19.

CEO Dr Teh Su Thye told The Malaysian Insight that the money will be used to buy food supplies.

“The funds will be able to cover 1,000 families. The food supplies we will give amount to about RM50 per family.”

Falling under the “hardcore poor” category as they earn as little as RM300 to RM600 a month on average, many Orang Asli depend on ad hoc work for income.

With the MCO in place, a majority will no longer be able to afford essential goods, including food.

Villagers who plant and sell lemongrass, bitter beans and rubber, among others, have also taken a blow to their income due to the order.

“Over the last four to five years, we have been working with Orang Asli communities in Pahang on various projects, such as solar energy and water,” said Teh.

“So we know the people, the villages, the tok batin. Naturally, it’s easier for them to call us, and for us to check on them.”

He said the food supplies – rice, flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil, noodles, canned sardines and biscuits – will last the Orang Asli families until the MCO ends on April 14.

Asked how they will be delivered, he said the group will figure out a way to do so without actually entering the villages.

The government has barred civil society organisations and volunteers from providing food and other aid directly to the needy, to prevent coronavirus infections.

“At this point in time, when we can’t move, we’ll get an Orang Asli organiser or a representative to go to grocery stores and get their phone numbers. We will call the store owners and get a quotation for the supplies we want,” said Teh.

“Then, the villagers will be able to go to the stores to collect the supplies.”

He said this will ensure no close contact between aid workers and the Orang Asli.

“Like how we go out to get supplies from grocery stores, the Orang Asli are doing the same.”

Initially, the target set was RM25,000 to help 250 families, but after receiving calls from other Orang Asli villages in Pahang, the foundation raised it by another RM25,000. – April 7, 2020.