During the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) many Orang Asli villages became strategic locations due to their secluded jungle locations which were frequented by the communist guerrillas of the Malayan National Liberation Army. Due to their perceived support for communist guerrillas, many Orang Asli were forcibly transferred to the so-called "new village" system where they were sent to live in newly-constructed settlements under the Briggs' Plan. The operations concerning the Orang Asli were cancelled after many of them started to succumb to disease. Two administrative initiatives were introduced to highlight the importance of the Orang Asli, as well to protect their identity. The Department of Aborigines was established in 1950, and the Aboriginal Peoples Ordinance was enacted in 1954. After independence, development of the Orang Asli became a prime objective of the government, and in 1961 a policy was adopted to integrate the Orang Asli into the wider Malaysian society.