IPOH: Orang Asli at villages that are under the enhanced movement control order (MCO) in Bidor will be receiving more food aid starting Thursday (Aug 17).

       Perak and Kedah Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director Harulnizam Abd Rahman said they would be sending stuff like rice, flour, milk, coffee and biscuits to the villages in stages.

       "We will be sending the foodstuff to the Orang Asli affected until Saturday (Aug 21).

       "As for nearby villages that are not under the enhanced MCO, we have also sent some food boxes to them," he said.

       It was reported that Orang Asli from Kampung Chang are appealing for more food as supplies are running low.

       Its Tok Batin, Dahil Yok Chopil had hoped for items like fish, meat, vegetables and other dry goods.

       The enhanced MCO at Kampung Chang, along with Kampung Senta and Kampung Sanding, is expected to end on Aug 24.

       Harulnizam said there were no allocations for perishable goods like fish, meat and vegetables.

       "For these items, it is usually requested from the MP or state assemblymen's offices," he said.

       Harulnizam also denied claims that Orang Asli folk from villages under the enhanced MCO were barred from going out of their villages to buy necessities.

       "We have asked the police and (they said) Orang Asli who are not wearing wrist tags are allowed to go out. It's just that some of them are afraid to go out," he added.