Mustafa Along from Gua Musang, Kelantan, said the lack of transport to purchase fuel compounds the hardship.
“The nearest petrol stations can be up to two hours away,” said Mustafa, a member of the Semai tribe.
Orang Asli activist Tijah Yok Chopil added that families are forced to spend heavily on renting four-wheel drives to reach these stations. “The rates are higher now because diesel is more expensive.”
Diesel currently retails at RM6.02 per litre in West Malaysia.
The strain is also felt among shopkeepers in Orang Asli villages, with some halting fuel sales altogether as the cost of travelling one to two hours to restock has become prohibitive.
In Kampung Simoi, Betau, Pahang, villager Norfini cited the distance to the nearest petrol station as a major hurdle.
“Due to a lack of transport, one villager is tasked with buying petrol for the rest. But there is a cap of 10 litres per person. These 10 litres are needed to power our homes and for farming. This limit makes things very difficult,” said Norfini, also of the Semai tribe.
Communities in Pos Lenjang and Pos Titom, Pahang, face similar struggles. One resident, Gadeen AB, said:
“With diesel prices going up and the monthly quota (for subsidised RON95 petrol) reduced, it is very hard for us to farm or travel to town as we cannot afford the fuel.”
He added that the situation has disrupted children’s studies as transport services have become increasingly unreliable.
Targeted intervention needed
Tijah urged the government to step in before the Orang Asli’s plight worsens, urging an increase in their RON95 petrol entitlement under the BUDI95 initiative and for diesel prices to be lowered.
“Those in the interior have no choice. There are no proper roads, and no power supply. Fuel is essential for survival.”
Thomas Foo, who organises food aid for Orang Asli families, said volunteers travelling to villages in Kelantan and Gerik, Perak, have also been hit hard by rising diesel costs.
“They spend about RM1,000 on fuel for a round trip. Now we have to reduce our missions by 50%. But it is the Orang Asli communities that bear the brunt of these increased fuel prices,” he said.