KKDW Introduces New Agricultural Initiatives, Increase Orang Asli Income, Competitiveness

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), has introduced an Orang Asli Agriculture Modernisation Programme to improve their income and competitiveness.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the programme aims to change the Orang Asli agricultural and livestock landscape to be more modern and sustainable through the use of modern technology.

Ahmad Zahid said the programme, which is expected to benefit over 5,000 recipients in the next five years, provides various forms of assistance to help improve productivity in the agricultural sector.

"They include agricultural equipment aid of up to RM5,000 as well as an allocation of RM50,000 for agriculture infrastructure development, such as irrigation systems, produce storage and greenhouses, in Orang Asli settlement areas.

"The government also provides agricultural mechanisation assistance of up to RM15,000, which encompasses support for small machinery and automatic irrigation systems, and agricultural integration aid of up to RM10,000 for the development of integrated agricultural systems,” he posted on Facebook today.

In addition, Ahmad Zahid said the Bantuan Sara Hidup of RM170 per month is given to over 2,000 recipients each year under the Orang Asli Oil Palm Plantation Replanting Programme.

He said JAKOA also implemented the Orang Asli Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Programme to improve the community's socio-economic status by providing Entrepreneur Guidance Assistance Grants for the building of business premises, including workshops, not exceeding RM50,000.

"Then there is the provision of equipment and light machinery aid of up to RM30,000, Cooperative Grant assistance up to RM300,000 for each application and assistance from the Cooperative Support Incentive Scheme (SISKOP) Programme not exceeding RM25,000.

"With the implementation of these initiatives, the government is targeting a 40 per cent increase in the rate of Orang Asli household incomes by 2030, thus reducing the rate of poverty in the community effectively,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said although the progress of the Orang Asli community is the responsibility of JAKOA, it still needs to be activated as a national agenda, with the involvement of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and local communities.

He is confident that through such strategic and integrated approaches, the Orang Asli community will continue to progress as well as be competitive and independent.

-- BERNAMA