Orang Asli artist and activist Shaq Koyok was commenting after a report by the statistics department titled “Abridged Life Tables” claimed that non-Malay Bumiputeras aged 0-14 faced the highest probability of death.

“The indigenous community is a small population. It is concerning that the youngest of us has the highest death rate,” Shaq said.

He attributed the high mortality rate to a lack of access to healthcare, clean water and a stable electricity supply.

“Many indigenous settlements are far away from healthcare centres. The lack of proper roads also makes it harder for healthcare workers to visit,” he said.

Shaq said water sources polluted by deforestation near many settlements made it hard for mothers and caretakers to provide clean drinking water to ailing children.

Earlier this year, New Straits Times reported that agricultural activities had polluted two rivers in Gua Musang, both located near Orang Asli settlements.

Shaq said although NGOs had helped in many ways, it was up to the government to come up with systematic solutions that address the root of their myriad of problems.

“There are corporate social responsibility projects, but they don’t meet all our needs and are not going to help in the long run,” he said.

Consultant paediatrician and children’s activist Dr Amar-Singh HSS called for resources to be allocated to meet the community’s specific needs.

“Much of the development of our health services has been urban, hospital and curative-focused. This is called the ‘inverse care law’, where those with the greatest need are the ones least likely to get adequate support,” he said.

Amar said a significant increase in healthcare funding was needed to address the needs of all marginalised communities.