THE Mah Meri Orang Asli in Pulau Carey, Selangor, are faring better now that tourism is up and running with the lifting of Covid-19 movement restrictions, but hope the government will do more to promote their cultural attractions.

Their survival depends on tourism, they said, as they recounted two years of hardship under the movement-control order (MCO).

Last year, during the second MCO, Orang Asli households did not even have enough money to pay their electricity bills, and had to live in darkness for a period.

Ethnic dance performer Maznah Uyan, 53, is glad to no longer have to depend on food aid from charities and the government.

“Today, we are much happier as we can afford to buy our own rice, cooking oil, flour and other essential items.

“A year ago, we had to depend on others, but not anymore,” she told The Malaysian Insight on a recent visit to Kampung Sungai Bumbun on Pulau Carey.

Maznah said she has been able to perform more now that cultural events are being held again.

People have been able to travel inter-state since October 10, while Malaysia’s borders were reopened on April 1. 

Maznah said the only thing the Mah Meri hope the government can do is to promote tourism on Pulau Carey more, so that they, too, can benefit.

“That’s the assistance we need from the government, as many as many have forgotten our village and cultural attractions,” she said.

The Mah Meri are skilled artisans and craftsmen best known for their weaving and wood carvings.

For the past two years, they have not able to sell their crafts due to movement restrictions.

Julida Uju, 53, a weaver, said her situation is slightly better now.

“I’m starting to get more orders now and there are also local tourists visiting the village at times over the weekend.

“It feels good not to have to depend on aid from others,” she added.

While thankful for the aid received during the hard times, it did not arrive consistently and there were days she had to go without any food to cook.

Julida also hopes the authorities will help the Mah Meri by promoting their culture as a tourist attraction.

“We are not tech savvy and we do not really know how to do promotions to encourage tourists to come here, so we depend on the government for that.

“We hope with the help of the government, there will be as many tourists here as there were before the lockdowns,” she said.

Meanwhile, wood carver Mizan Hasan, 43, said the authorities should hold tourism programmes in their village, instead of other locations.

“I have been invited by the Tourism Ministry for events outside the village but what about other artisans here who don’t get invited?

“Programmes should be brought here to give exposure to other craftsmen,” Mizan added. – May 22, 2022.