THE Orang Asli in the interior areas of Gua Musang are complaining about the high retail prices of essential items, including rice and sugar, in their villages. 

Anglah Angah, 41, of Kampung Kelaik, Pos Blau, said in his village, he had to pay more than RM50 for a packet of 10kg rice or RM20 for a 5kg packet and RM5 for a packet of 1kg sugar. 

As such, he was forced to go almost 100km away to Gua Musang to get food supplies at cheaper prices. 

 “There are eight members in my family, so 10kg of rice can only last for a week. Today, I travelled almost 100km by motorbike to come to Gua Musang town to get cheaper rice at only RM39 for 10 kg,” he said. 

Along Uda, 30, said the majority of residents there earned their living by selling forest products and incomes weren’t much. 

“Most of us sell bamboo in Blue Valley, Cameron Highlands at a price of 50 sen per stick. The price of bamboo is getting cheaper, but the price of rice and other foods is increasing. 

“We are really affected by the current situation. Before, we could rely on tapioca, but now even tapioca is difficult to get because most of the area has been developed for the Musang King project,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the co-chairman of the Gua Musang Consumer Movement, Zamzani Harun, said they had been receiving complaints from the Orang Asli about the high prices of goods in their settlements. 

“They complained that the price of rice had risen sharply and are seeking our assistance to monitor the situation. We have informed the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living about it to take the necessary action,” he said. – Bernama, October 8, 2023.