The Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) has apologised for erecting project signboards at three Orang Asli villages on the eve of the Cameron Highlands by-election.

In a statement late this evening, Jakoa director-general Ajis Sitin (above) said the project contractors have been instructed to remove the signboards.

"Jakoa wishes clarify that the signboards were an unintended mistake.

"Jakoa would like to take this opportunity to apologise over the incident and we will ensure that it does not happen again," said Ajis, who took the job on May 1, 2018.

Jakoa is a department under the Prime Minister's Department and is overseen by National Unity Minister P Waythamoorthy.

The signboards were spotted by Malaysiakini this evening at three Orang Asli villages at Bertam Valley in Cameron Highlands. The concrete used to hold the signboards in place appeared fresh.

All the signboards contained the words "Harapan Baru Malaysia" with the word "Harapan" fashioned after Pakatan Harapan's logo.

The government projects were for refurbishing houses and a kindergarten.

Earlier, Ajis told Malaysiakini that Jakoa performed such works regularly.

Finance Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng told Malaysiakini that it was wrong for the contractors to put up the signboards.

He said he had advised the relevant authorities to remove them.

He also thanked "eagle-eyed" Malaysiakini for spotting and highlighting the matter.