KOTA BARU: The authorities have prohibited outsiders from entering a few Orang Asli posts, particularly those located in Gua Musang, to prevent further damage to the roads there.
The directive was issued by the Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) several years ago but was ignored by outsiders, prompting the department to place more signboards in certain areas.
Kelantan/Terengganu Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director Zarina Razlan said the signboards and notices to inform about the prohibition were made recently including in social media platforms like Facebook.
She said the notices stated that outsiders were not allowed to enter the Orang Asli settlements and posts as the department feared that their vehicles would cause damage to the roads.
However, she said those planning to enter the Orang Asli settlements were required to get permission from the Jakoa director-general.
"The rules were imposed years ago but many outsiders did not obey to the directive.
"Their entry (to the Orang Asli posts) have caused major damages to the roads and the government has been spending a lot of money to build and to repair the roads.
"Heavy rains will cause the situation to worsen.
"The ban was imposed to all Orang Asli posts and villages include Pos Gob but Pos Gob is the worst affected," she said.