Ministry targets 400 Orang Asli to pursue higher learning this year

The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has set a target to have at least 400 Orang Asli students continue their studies at public universities or private higher education institutions this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid (above), who is also the rural and regional development minister, said through the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa), the ministry planned to give RM1,000 to every student who manage to pursue their tertiary studies.

He said the target was set following the achievement of the previous target involving 300 Orang Asli students, adding that he believes the new target is achievable based on their potential and the government's development programmes.

“I see great potential among the Orang Asli, we should not underestimate their existence in Malaysia. I have also authorised Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Ramli Mohd Nor to be the chairperson of the Orang Asli Advancement and Development secretariat.

“... (this) is to help Jakoa in terms of development, programmes, and projects, as well as matters related to Orang Asli education including to provide them the opportunities to learn,” he said at the Aidilfitri open house hosted by the Pahang Umno liaison committee at Laman Sejahtera Sungai Koyan yesterday.

Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, who is also Umno vice-president, national and state Umno leaders were also present at the event attended by more than 10,000 guests from various walks of life.

Zahid also gave his assurance that the government will continue to improve infrastructure in Orang Asli villages including water supply and electricity as well as housing through Jakoa and allocations from his ministry.

“I do my best because I am the rural minister who takes care of villagers and never abandon the Malays, Orang Asli, Siamese, or Chinese and Indians as long as they live in the rural areas.

“…the RM11.08 billion allocation given to the ministry will be best used to help develop the people,” the Umno president said.

Zahid also visited the Royal Pahang Weaving Centre at Pos Betau, which has four weavers from the Orang Asli women who received training at the Tengku Ampuan Besar Meriam Royal Pahang Weaving Skills Institute in Pekan and the Orang Asli Patient Transit building, established to accommodate Orang Asli patients and their family members.

- Bernama

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