GUA MUSANG: An Orang Asli resident from Pos Blau travelled nearly 100 kilometres on a motorcycle to purchase locally produced white rice in the main town, here.
Anglah Angah, 41, who resides in Kampung Kelaik, Pos Blau, claimed that the price of rice in his village had soared to up to RM50 for a 10 kg bag, which is higher than the actual price.
According to Anglah, a 10 kg bag of rice only lasts a week, and he has to allocate over RM200 per month just for rice.
He also mentioned that it's not just rice that's expensive; other basic necessities like sugar and cooking oil have become costly as well.
"In my village, a 10 kg bag of rice costs more than RM50, while a 5 kg bag is sold for RM20. A kilogramme of sugar is priced at RM5. I have eight family members, so a 10 kg bag of rice only lasts a week. Today, I decided to go out and buy necessities on my own using a motorcycle because the prices are very taxing on us."
"However, I understand that the prices are higher because retailers also buy at the same price in town, and of course, they want to make a profit," he said while shopping at a supermarket here.
Anglah explained that with his income from selling forest products like bamboo, the rising prices of goods have been a significant burden.
"We, the Orang Asli community, are increasingly struggling and feeling the impact of rising prices. While we used to rely on cassava farming, our orchards have now become Musang King durian farms," he added.
Meanwhile, the Gua Musang Consumer Movement joint chairman, Zamzani Harun, acknowledged receiving complaints from the Orang Asli community in the remote areas about the rising prices of essential goods.
"We take note of their complaints and have submitted them to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry for further action," he said.