There are three major tribes of Orang Asli in Jerantut;  Jahut, Batek and Semok Beri. Majority of them are still practicing nomadic life. Not really nomadic, but they will spend weeks to months in the jungle to seek for food, rattan and "damak" (very expensive; about RM1800 per kg).

Their main health problems are infections. Most of them have fungal infection (tinea imbricata). Very difficult to treat because the are still traveling from one jungle to another and they don't really know how to take care their personal hygiene. Malaria, filariasis and tuberculosis also available but under control. We have set up a half-way home for them to stay while receiving treatment at Jerantut. Why? Because if one of the family member sick, all will accompany the sick one to hospital. Since they depend on their natural habitat for living, we have to provide them with food and some token before they leave.

The Orang Asli are very sensitive. Don't humiliate them. Respect them and they will comply to the treatment. They can even give you delicious pineapple to take home.

One thing surprise me. Most of the antenatal mother have a very good level of hemoglobin. One of my patient has 13 gm% at 36 weeks pregnancy and she is gravida 13!!