Follow-up Meeting On Act 134 Amendments On Orang Asli Land Tomorrow - Rubiah

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- A follow-up meeting with state legal advisors regarding amendments to Act 134 concerning land issues affecting the Orang Asli community will be held tomorrow, said Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.

She said the meeting is a preparatory step before the matter is brought to the National Land Council (MTN) meeting, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will chair.

“Previously, KKDW (The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development) held engagement sessions with state governments through the special meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) to discuss the amendments to Act 134.

“We have gathered input through engagement sessions and surveys with Orang Asli leaders and relevant agencies to ensure that the amendments to Act 134 are comprehensive and holistic, taking into account the various perspectives of stakeholders,” she said when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for her ministry in the Dewan Negara today.

Rubiah also stated that as of Aug 28, the Community Development Department (KEMAS) had received a total of 121,178 registration applications for its kindergartens (106,235) and childcare centres (14,943) for the 2026 intake.

Meanwhile, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, said that of the 90,779 applications for the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) approved as of June 3, a total of 81,302 applications (89.5 per cent) were from applicants aged 40 and below, adding that the SKJP fund was increased by an additional RM10 billion in 2025, bringing the total allocation for the scheme to RM30 billion to date.

“The government has provided financing guarantees of up to RM500,000 for the purchase of a first home, new, existing, or from a foreclosure. The financing guarantee is offered at a maximum of 120 per cent of the residential property’s price,” she said.

According to her, the initiative also extends to gig economy workers who do not have a steady income or salary slips, covering principal financing costs, Mortgage Reduction Term Assurance (MRTA/MRTT), legal fees, and valuation fees.

She also said that to date, 1,171 private housing projects, involving 139,848 units with a gross development value (GDV) of RM113.55 billion, have been revived through the establishment of the special task force on sick and abandoned private housing projects.

Meanwhile, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that Sabah and Sarawak will be developed as the country’s main aquaculture hubs through the implementation of 37 projects worth RM227.9 million under 13MP to boost the national food supply chain.

“In Sabah, key projects include the proposed development of the modern iPOD Fisheries port, a seaweed innovation centre in Semporna, and high-value hatcheries in Tuaran, Sandakan, and Tawau, while Sarawak will focus on developing aquaculture industrial zones, modern ports in Tanjung Bako and Tanjung Manis, and the application of contemporary technology in aquaculture.

“This approach will position Sabah as a hub for high-value seafood exports and Sarawak as the country’s leading aquaculture producer within the framework of the blue economy,” he said.

Regarding rice production, Arthur stated that the government has introduced a two-year, five-season pilot project, currently being implemented in key rice-growing areas, including Kangar, Jitra, Pendang, and Kuala Muda, covering 443 hectares and involving 449 farmers.

“The success of this project prompted the Prime Minister to announce nearly RM1 billion under Budget 2025, including RM526 million for the upgrading of 15 irrigation blocks and RM234 million for the rehabilitation of the Pedu Dam,” he said.

He also said that three new rice varieties, MRCL3, MRCL4, and MR333 (Menora), recently introduced, can yield up to nine metric tonnes per hectare with a shorter maturation period, thereby boosting local rice production.

-- BERNAMA