RM258.02 Million Allocated For Orang Asli Agricultural Incentives Under 13MP

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 (Bernama) -- The government is allocating RM258.02 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to support Orang Asli farmers through the provision of agricultural inputs, small machinery and farm infrastructure development, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the initiative also aimed to enhance productivity and generate more sustainable income for the Orang Asli community through continuous advisory services and technical support.

“All incentives and assistance in the national agri-food sector are inclusive and open to all eligible groups, including the Orang Asli community.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that every policy and initiative implemented delivers comprehensive benefits, in line with the national food security agenda and efforts to increase the income of agri-food sector operators in an inclusive manner,” he said when replying to a question from Senator Manolan Mohamad.

Chan added that the ministry continued to collaborate with the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), and through the Orang Asli Agricultural Modernisation Programme, 883 projects were implemented throughout the 12MP with an allocation of RM42.62 million, benefiting 15,623 recipients.

On the fisheries subsector, Chan said 353 Orang Asli fishermen received the cost of living allowance (ESHN), involving an allocation of RM1.16 million in 2025, including 109 individuals receiving the inland fishermen’s cost of living allowance (ESHND).

In addition, 273 vessels owned by the community benefit from fuel subsidies, while another 228 vessels receive the catch incentive (IHTI) to encourage higher catch yields.

For the livestock subsector, he said various programmes such as the Skim Rezeki Ternak Ruminan, and Penggandaan 30 for beef cattle breeders, as well as the Pengukuhan Industri Tenusu Negara, were provided to assist livestock entrepreneurs in transitioning towards commercialisation through matching grants and feed input support.

-- BERNAMA