Tok batin convinces Orang Asli to get vaccinated

ALOR GAJAH, July 6 -- The tireless persuasion and advice by the ‘tok batin’ or village chief of the Orang Asli of Bukit Payung on the importance of vaccination has finally born fruit, as 314 residents have agreed to be inoculated today.

Rural Development Deputy Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong said this has helped the ministry achieve the target of providing vaccines to 144,180 Orang Asli from 853 Orang Asli villages nationwide.

"The important role of the tok batin in Orang Asli villages throughout the country and the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) has proven to increase the awareness of vaccination among the group, so this effort will be continued through the 624 tok batin throughout the country," he said.

"So far, a total of 9,163 individuals from the community have received the first dose, while another 1,882 have completed both jabs," he said after visiting the Mobile Vaccination Centre (PPV) at the Bukit Payung Orang Asli Community Hall here today.

He also expressed confidence that the target would be achieved sooner with the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.

He said the Mobile MARALiner PPV stationed at Bukit Payong was the third bus used in the programme, and this would help to facilitate and speed up the vaccination process among the Orang Asli.

Meanwhile, the Tok Batin of the Bukit Payung Orang Asli Village, Nur Isjemei Ismail, cited fear of needles and side effects as among of the reasons many Orang Asli in the village had refused to get vaccinated at first.

"At first, half of the residents refused, but when I was vaccinated and met the villagers and explained to them, they were convinced and agreed to get vaccinated," said Nur Isjemei, who was among the earliest to get vaccinated on June 25.

He said now only five per cent of the Orang Asli population from the Temuan tribe in the village still refused to get the vaccine, compared to more than 50 per cent previously.

There 2,053 Orang Asli in Melaka, with the majority from the Temuan tribe who live in 14 villages, namely eight in Alor Gajah and six in Jasin.

-- BERNAMA