KUALA LUMPUR: The Movement Control Order (MCO), albeit a much needed move to contain the spread of Covid-19, is affecting the livelihoods of Malaysians nationwide.
Among them are the Orang Asli or indigenous communities, in which many of them rely on ad-hoc work to feed their families, according to the Global Peace Foundation Malaysia.
Thus, the foundation is looking to raise RM25,000 by April 14 to provide for 250 families, impacting 1,250 orang asli villagers across Pekan, Pahang to ease their burden during these trying times.
“Every amount will be accounted for as we value transparency in our work. All contributions will be channeled to the purchasing of food supplies for our orang asli beneficiaries,” it wrote on its website.
The foundation on its page, explained that without any work, a majority of the orang asli are no longer able to bear the expenses as they barely have enough saved.
“Most of these communities that we work with are categorized as hardcore poor, earning as little as RM300-600/month on average.
“In addition to that, many of the orang asli farmers are now unable to tend to their crops as their farms are located some distance away from their houses.
“As such, they live in uncertainty, wondering if their crops will survive, and whether they are able to sustain the months ahead without their food supplies.”
According to the Global Peace Foundation Malaysia, each orang asli family will receive a total of RM100 to purchase essential food items that will last until the MCO is lifted on April 14.
Essential food items include rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, bihun, canned sardine, milk powder, biscuits and salt.
The fundraising campaign was launched today and has garnered RM660 at the time of writing.
For more information, visit https://globalpeace.org.my/2020/03/orang-asli-food-relief/ and https://www.simplygiving.com/appeal/86f2bbd3-1d7a-4bb3-aa59-6e663e7ee5a5.