JAKOA Ready To Face Northeast Monsoon - DG

KUANTAN, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) is fully prepared and diligently making comprehensive arrangements for the Northeast Monsoon, which begins today and continues until March next year, to ensure that the Orang Asli community in flood-prone areas receives immediate assistance when needed.

Its director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor emphasised that preparations include logistics, welfare, and food supply, all designed to prevent severe impacts on residents of Orang Asli settlements who are frequently affected by floods, ensuring they have access to essential provisions.

JAKOA has also collaborated with relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), to facilitate aid delivery via helicopters to those settlements that become inaccessible during the monsoon season.

“It is important to note that JAKOA’s preparations do not begin only when floods occur. We have been ready from the start. For instance, we secured contracts for food basket aid for Orang Asli villages at risk of flooding last year, and these contracts are renewed every two years,” she explained.

“While difficulties in sending aid are common, we have alternative solutions. According to JAKOA records, there are 853 Orang Asli villages, half of which are often affected by floods. In areas where aid can be delivered by land, we will utilise ground transportation. However, in locations that are inaccessible, we will deploy boats or helicopters to ensure aid reaches those in need,” she added.

She said this to the media following the presentation of the key to the JAKOA Paya Bungor Training Centre (PLPB). Also in attendance was Datuk Idris Lasim, the chief executive officer of FELCRA Berhad.

Sapiah emphasised the importance of close cooperation with the tok batin and penghulu in the Orang Asli settlements to ensure the welfare and safety of residents. This collaboration includes disseminating information related to the Northeast Monsoon and the types of aid that will be provided.

Regarding the training centre, she said that it resumed operations on Nov 1 after being closed for nearly ten years for new construction and upgrades. This revitalisation is seen as a significant step toward improving the socio-economic conditions of the Orang Asli community in Malaysia.

She noted that the recruitment of new trainees is expected to begin in mid-June next year, with a quota of 75 participants for each session, primarily focusing on sewing courses.

“The training centre can accommodate a total of 135 trainees at any one time, comprising 75 in the long-term sewing course and 60 in short-term courses. Participants will also have the opportunity to pursue the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) courses at levels 2, 3, and 4 (diploma), which will be taught by instructors certified by the Skills Development Department,” she said

To date, a total of 530 trainees have completed the Women's Sewing Course at this centre since its inception in 1999.

-- BERNAMA