KOTA BHARU: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are urged not to seek cheap publicity by manipulating the Orang Asli community, especially on logging activities in Gua Musang.
State Agriculture, Biotechnology and Green Technology Committee chairman, Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said the action of NGOs in instigating the Orang Asli community only worsened matters, and they are also not giving suggestions on how to resolve the issues.
"We hope that NGOs do not seek cheap publicity as it will only cause difficulties for the Orang Asli... we should focus on helping to resolve the issues.
"NGOs should be bodies that are good at pacifying the Orang Asli and resolving the issues in the right manner and not influencing or inciting them to continue with the blockade," he said when met by reporters at his office in Kota Darul Naim Complex here yesterday.
On Wednesday, 41 Orang Asli who put up barriers at Simpang Petei and the entry route to Pos Bihai were detained by police for refusing to budge from the locations when an operation was conducted by the state Forestry Department
The operation to demolish the barricade at the timber route came following failed negotiations between the state government and the Orang Asli, believed to be caused by the involvement of third parties.
Che Abdullah stressed the importance for all parties to agree with the regulations set as it was the only way to resolve the conflict.
He said logging activities in Kelantan since 1978 had complied with the law.
"Although not everyone will be satisfied with the regulations, it must be abided by. If there are disagreements and issues, these should be highlighted through the proper channels," he said. -- Bernama