Pahang Orang Asli At IPTA Automatically Eligible For Free Laptops – MB

ROMPIN, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Orang Asli in Pahang who further their studies at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) will automatically qualify for free laptops from the state government, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

He said the initiative was also a “gift” in conjunction with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and proof that the state government had never sidelined the Orang Asli, particularly in education.

“In the past, they had to apply, but now Orang Asli students will receive it automatically, so they don’t have to worry about buying a laptop when they further their studies,” he told reporters after officiating at the state-level International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebration at the RPS Bukit Serok settlement here today.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on Aug 9, with the first celebration held in 1995.

Wan Rosdy said he wanted to see the Orang Asli on equal footing with other communities in achieving various successes. 

“I emphasise education because we believe only education can transform a community, and I also want to see the dropout rate among the Orang Asli minimised,” he said.

He said the efforts of Yayasan Pahang to uplift the community had shown positive results, with literacy among the Orang Asli reported to be on the rise.

“We also urge government agencies such as this to help improve the capabilities of the Orang Asli, especially in terms of education, and the state government remains committed to developing the community in a holistic manner,” he said. 

In Pahang, there were 95,382 Orang Asli recorded last year — the largest number in Peninsular Malaysia — comprising three main ethnic groups: Senoi, Proto-Malay and Negrito.

-- BERNAMA