Orang Asli Communities Continue To Benefit From Various Govt Initiatives - JAKOA

PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- Some 224,559 Orang Asli throughout Peninsular Malaysia continue to benefit from various initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).

The initiatives cover programmes for all age groups, from early childhood to the elderly, encompassing welfare, education, health and community development.

In its statement today, JAKOA said the commitment extended beyond aid delivery, highlighting that the Orang Asli community continues to be part of the national development agenda.

“The initiative includes special formula milk assistance for premature babies, as well as school uniform aid for students entering Year One and Form One.

“Also provided are pocket money incentives for secondary school students and transportation services for Orang Asli pupils,” according to the department.

The initiative also covers cash aid for Orang Asli students who obtained excellent results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations, as well as one-off assistance for preparation to pursue studies at Certificate, Matriculation, Pre-Diploma, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree levels.

Meanwhile, under the Suntikan Usahawan Alaf Rezeki (SUAR) initiative, assistance is provided in the form of machinery and equipment for Orang Asli involved in business ventures, to support their operations and digitalisation efforts.

Other initiatives include assistance for farmers and medical support, as well as the implementation of road, water, electricity and housing projects, and various facilities such as balai adat, halls and futsal courts.

JAKOA said that, in line with its vision and mission as well as the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, the initiatives will remain a government priority to safeguard the well-being, welfare and future of the Orang Asli community.

--BERNAMA