Gov't gives attention to Orang Asli's communication needs

Through the launch of the 'Converge Connect' programme organsied by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) in Pos Lenjang near here, 19 television sets and Njoi (Astro) decoders were given free to the Tok Batin and Orang Asli leaders from Pos Lenjang and Pos Titom besides 100 boxes containing essential food items for the Orang Asli community in the areas concerned.

The programme was officiated by Pahang Housing and Municipal Committee Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and also attended by KKMM senior divisional secretary (Management) Datuk Samsuni Mohd Nor near here Thursday.

A representative of the Orang Asli residents from Pos Lenjang, Norgiman Tegos said the provision of television sets and Njoi (Astro) decoders has, to some extent, gave an opportunity for them to stay connected on current issues.

"Even though not all received the television sets, at least other people can go and watch at the house of the Tok Batin, who has his Njoi, as most of them also wanted to watch the news only to know the latest development taking place in the country," he said.

Norgiman said currently about 2,700 residents from 13 villages in the post concerned have limited access to communications, information and entertainment.

"At present there is no internet network in our village, so it is difficult for us to get the latest information on what is happening in the country. Right now the residents in this post only depended on television that has Njoi (Astro) to keep track of the current development in the news," he said.

However, he said not all the villagers in Pos Lenjang could afford to buy a television and half of the population there still did not have a television.

"So if you want to use internet, we need to get out and go to Sungai Koyan bazaar, which is about 40 kms from here, and will take nearly two hours by car," he said.

Sharing the same view, Tok Batin from Pos Titom, Ramli Bah Minhat said at times there were delays in delivering help to the sick residents due to difficulties in making emergency calls through the telephone network.

"So I really hope the government is willing to build a telecommunications substation at Pos Titom, which has over 700 residents from five villages," he said.

Ramli also thanked the government through KKMM for the provision of the television sets and Njoi decoders that allowed the residents to watch the news and entertainment programmes.

Meanwhile Samsuni, when met by Bernama, after the launch ceremony, said the ministry should look into various aspects in greater depth before setting up telecommunications substations in the two posts.