SG SIPUT – As communal leaders, Tok Batin are entrusted with the responsibility to guide and facilitate solutions related to customs and traditions, development, economy, education, and the well-being of the Orang Asli community.
However, after Covid-19 hit Malaysian shores, they have an extra role to saddle – to take the lead in getting their communities vaccinated, and convincing those who are hesitant due to fears and misconception.
In Perak, 40 Tok Batin have been selected to be the first to be vaccinated in their villages to convey to their communities the true benefit of the vaccine, and encourage them to get the jab.
The leaders, decked in traditional costumes, received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Orang Asli one-stop centre mobile vaccination centre (PPV) here, some 50km from Ipoh.
Tok Nasiri from Kg Pisang in Jalong, here, said, the first challenge for him is to dispel the myths about the vaccine, as some of his community members have been influenced by the negative feedback being spread on social media.
“As their Tok Batin, I will advise and convince them to register for the vaccine... to protect them, their families and the community from Covid-19.”
Alang Pandak, 66, who is the Tok Batin at Kg Manggis Pesium, said he will persuade a few of the community members by telling them the benefits of the vaccine so that they will set an example once they are vaccinated.
“I will also tell them my vaccination experience, and convince them that the negative news they read on social media are false and only out to frighten them.
“Actually, most of the villagers here, who are from the Temiar tribe, have accepted the vaccine and are waiting for the (immunisation) programme to come to our area.”
They are anxiously waiting for their turn, as the community wishes to see a reduction in Covid-19 cases, he added.
“We have a hall here, and we hope the government will utilise it as a mobile PPV, as there are people with disabilities here, too.”
Pos Poi Tok Batin Eley Busu, 53, said he hopes a mobile PPV can be placed closer to his area, as the distance from his village to the one-stop centre mobile PPV is about 30km of muddy trail.
“Perhaps after this, those involved in the immunisation programme can come over to Orang Asli settlements that are far in the interior, for example, Pos Kuala Mu, which is 40km from this PPV, and Pos Poi, which is 30km away.” – Bernama, July 11, 2021
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