KPJ Healthcare Berhad

Orang Asli face heavy problem

THE Orang Asli community in in Kampung Peta

THE Orang Asli community in in Kampung Peta have been found to suffer from high blood pressure and obesity due to a diet high in fat and lack of exercise.

The discovery was made during the KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital staff recent visit to the village in Endau Rompin National Park, to set up a temporary clinic and conduct free medical check-ups.

Medical officer Dr Abdul Razak Ahmad said what was particularly worrisome was that those suffering from high blood pressure were in their early 30s. "It is alarming to see youngsters suffering from a disease that usually afflicts older folk," he said.

Hospital public relations officer Shariffah Alia Syed Abdul Rahman said medical tests worth RM180 each were conducted for free. The test checked for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and glucose or sugar level.

Shariffah said more than 50 received the tests. The Orang Asli also received free over-thecounter medication such as aspirin, painkillers and cough mixtures. The team had brought RM1.500 worth of medication with them.

Those found to be ill were advised to seek medical treatment.Shariffah said Kampung Peta was chosen because of its remote location. "It is difficult for the locals to cross over 50 kilometres of muddy terrain, which is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles. Thus we decided to come to them," she said.

She said the hospital had made three visits to Kampung Peta in two years, and more visits are being planned.Kampung Peta is home to about 70 Orang Asli families from the Jakun tribe.

The trip to Kampung Peta was organised by the Johor Media Club and the hospital.