Wanita Gerakan has urged the Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) to hold consultations with the Orang Asli community to reach an amicable and pragmatic solution over the construction of an Orang Asli church in Kelantan.

Wanita Gerakan deputy chief Ng Siew Lai said today that rightfully the department should be more sensitive and understanding on all matters concerning the Orang Asli community, irrespective of whether they touched on their welfare, religion or livelihood.

“We hope the department will adopt a consultative and inclusive approach to resolve these matters amicably, without the need for actions that can cause resentment from the community and the people,” Ng said in a statement.

Ng was commenting on the stop-work order on the construction of the Orang Asli church.

It was previously reported that the Orang Asli community in the Temiar Village of Pos Pasik, Kelantan, had built a church halfway, only to be met with a letter from JHEOA last month saying that their application had been rejected.

The federal government agency also issued a stop-work order in their Aug 9 reply to the village head, Setmen Belungei, who had written to inform the department that they would be replacing their existing structure made of bamboo and leaves.

The agency did not include any other reason for their stop-work order, apart from the community not obtaining prior permission.

Ng said as religion is very sensitive matter, JHEOA should be more careful.

“In line with the spirit of 1Malaysia that put “the people first”, the department should have more consultations with Orang Asli,” she added.