Orang Asli kids skip school to earn money


Missing out on education: Orang Asli children fishing in a stream near their house instead of being in school. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: A growing number of Orang Asli children in Kampung Sungai Temun are skipping school to work at nearby eateries. It is a trend that has sparked concern among community leaders and educators, who fear these youths are being robbed of their future.

Salim Palon, the village head, is troubled by the sight of teenagers working at coffee shops during school hours, often with the blessing or insistence of their own parents, who urge them to earn money for the family.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Flood situation worsens in northern Sabah as evacuees rise to 4,761
TB outbreak: Johor Ramadan bazaar SOPs unchanged, says exco rep
Bersatu crisis: Raub, Lipis divisions dissolved today
Smooth traffic reported on several main highways as at 9.40pm
Health Ministry accelerates efforts to strengthen food safety control to achieve target by 2030
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan express sadness, sympathy at Trooper Indiran's death
Perak urges use of reusable bags ahead of ban on single-use plastics
Ramadan bazaars: A beloved annual tradition for Malaysians
Bersatu appoints new task force to restructure divisions, wings
Madani govt component parties must strengthen cohesion to realise people's mandate, says Zaliha

Others Also Read