GUA MUSANG: Nearly RM3mil has been allocated this year for the economic, infrastructure, and social development of the Orang Asli community in the Nenggiri state constituency, says Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor.
The Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director-general said the funds will benefit 5,226 Orang Asli, from the Temiar and Mendriq tribes, in several settlements, including Pos Pasik, Pos Simpor, Pos Gob, Pos Tohoi, Pos Pulat, Kuala Lah and Kuala Wok.
Over RM1.6mil has been allocated for boosting the Orang Asli economy, which includes a farm in Kuala Wok, equipment, agricultural inputs, and training courses, totalling RM56,060, as well as RM44,329 for building farm roads, she said.
“Also, RM33,950 was allocated for building farm roads in Kampung Kuala Lah and RM15,000 for ginger growing in Kampung Gob,” Sapiah told Bernama.
“Additionally, the Hands Holding project, which includes providing agricultural equipment and input such as fertilisers, pesticides, and seeds, has positively impacted the Orang Asli community by helping them to generate income.”
She added that, in terms of infrastructure and social development, RM1.39mil has been allocated, including RM349,260 for the social amenity project and RM845,220 for communication road projects.
“The Kelantan and Terengganu Jakoa have allocated RM2.59mil for the maintenance of a treated water system,” she said.
She added that six steel bridges built at Pos Gob for RM1.9mil are among the high-impact projects in the constituency that have enhanced accessibility for residents.
Last year, Sapiah said that more than RM2.5mil was allocated to various high-impact projects, including RM1.64mil for infrastructure and social amenities, RM547,149 for roads, RM20,700 for treated water supply, RM234,040 for the Orang Asli Home Assistance programme, and RM66,398 for economic projects.
