“There are a number of agencies which are helping them, like the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and so on. Perhaps they can ask for fertiliser subsidies.” Things aren’t completely bleak, however. There appears to be a glimmer of hope for both the orang asli and the smallholders: Rosnani says her department is considering the appeals forwarded by those affected by the nationwide no-burn directive. “We recognise that there are some specific situations where the use of fire is needed, and we will announce our decision soon,” she says. Further words of comfort come from Deputy Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Abu Bakar Daud, who said a fortnight ago that the RM500,000 fine (currently being gazetted) for open-burning offenders is “not meant for farmers and smallholders, but those doing it for quick profit.” That statement will be tested soon. Some lowland Semais in Perak have decided that they cannot afford to wait for the bureaucrats to alleviate their predicament. Two weeks ago, they decided that their hill rice cultivation has to go on, and cleared a small plot of secondary forest near their homes; the debris will be burnt off in August when it’s fully dry. “Last month, the officer (from the Department of Orang Asli Affairs) said we cannot do any burning. But then, if we don’t, what are we going to eat?” asks one of them. Ironically, despite all other government agencies actually supporting the right of the Orang Asli to practice their traditional way of agriculture, the very department that is enacted bylaw to protect the interests and wellbeing of the Orang Asli chose not to side with the Orang Asli. Unfortunately, the stand taken by JHEOA officers, especially those at the local level, have not changed significantly in favour of the Orang Asli. 72 ORANG ASLI – RIGHTS, PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS