PUTRAJAYA has dismissed claims that Orang Asli around the country are not getting aid during the nation’s movement control order (MCO) against Covid-19, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob

The senior minister said the Orang Asli Affairs Department (Jakoa) has been giving aid since the MCO began.

“From April 2 to now, Jakoa has given aid to 49, 670 Orang Asli households nationwide in 853 villages, totalling RM5 million.

“In the second phase (of distribution) beginning tomorrow, aid will be given to 55,000 households, totalling RM6 million,” he said during the daily press briefing on Covid-19-related security and non-health matters.

The Malaysian Insight earlier reported that Jakoa’s distribution work had been beset with transport woes and a lack of personnel.

Director-general of Jakoa Prof Juli Edo said the department is facing logistics problems trying to deliver aid to 55,000 Orang Asli households.

It was also reported that tribes in Perak, Pahang and Kelantan are facing food shortage because of the MCO.

Ismail Sabri said those who have not received aid should report to their respective community leaders.

“There are reports on social media that food supply has not arrived.

“It is recommended that all such issues be reported to the local community leaders, such as the people’s representative and village headmen.

“Then their leaders can extend their grouses to the District Disaster Management Committee and the Social Welfare Department.”

The month-long MCO began on March 18 and is to end on April 14 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

However, Putrajaya is to make a decision on whether the partial lockdown should be extended.

The coronavirus has so far infected 4,119 Malaysians and caused 65 deaths. – April 9, 2020.