KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to empowering the Orang Asli community through legal amendments and new approaches to ensure they can stand on an equal footing with other races in the country, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, noted that his visit to the Maori community in Rotorua, New Zealand, had inspired him, saying that there, the rights of the indigenous community were restored, allowing them to control the dairy, plantation, and agricultural industries for export.
"God willing, we will achieve similar progress, not only through amendments to the act but also through several new approaches to improve the standard of living for the Orang Asli community," he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara on Monday (Sept 8).
He was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Manolan Mohamad on the government's target to increase Orang Asli staff in the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa).
Ahmad Zahid stated that positive developments are evident, with an increase in professionals among the Orang Asli, including over 20 doctoral degree holders, more than five professors, as well as engineers, accountants, and other professionals.
"This indicates there is no marginalisation; instead, we prioritise Orang Asli education and encourage their full commitment," he said.
The government provides continuous support to Orang Asli students in primary and secondary schools, including transportation, a pocket allowance of RM4 per day, and other assistance to promote social mobility.
"These measures will help them attain careers that enable them to be on par with other races in this country. I am grateful for the support from all parties, including Orang Asli professionals," he added.
In response to Senator Shahrol Wizan Sulong's question on increasing employment opportunities for Orang Asli youth, Ahmad Zahid outlined three main approaches: academic, technical education, and entrepreneurial courses.
"These categories will guide youth into employment in the public sector, GLC, GLIC, or the private sector. The ministry, in collaboration with others, has arranged these pathways to provide employment opportunities for Orang Asli youth," he said.
From 2021 to 2024, 2,913 Orang Asli youths were employed as community rangers under the Peninsular Forestry Department, while 37 joined other agencies, including HRD Corp, Koperasi Akademik Binaan Malaysia (Kobina), and UOA Akademi since 2023.
"In the Malaysia Aviation Group, five Orang Asli youths were hired as cabin crew last year. In the private sector, 45 are employed at Sony as production operators, 12 as security guards at HRD Corp, and 20 at Kobina in 2024," he stated.
Ahmad Zahid noted an increase in Orang Asli entrepreneurs, particularly through the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival (KUD) programme. Last year, 243 Orang Asli entrepreneurs participated in KUD and the Orang Asli Entrepreneur Carnival (KUOA), generating sales of RM839,000.
"Mara, through the Biz Network platform and the Mara Business Digitalisation programme, provided e-commerce training to enhance the competitiveness of Orang Asli entrepreneurs. Under Mara's Gate to Global, several entrepreneurs marketed their products internationally," he mentioned.
In public services, Ahmad Zahid said the government aims to produce more Orang Asli leaders to occupy senior roles in government departments, including Jakoa.
He emphasised the need to amend the Orang Asli Act 1954 (Act 134), which is 71 years old, to restore community rights.
"This is crucial to restore Orang Asli rights and strengthen educational opportunities. In 2023, we targeted 400 Orang Asli children for university admission and achieved 418. In 2024, the target was 450, and 456 were admitted. This year, until July, 150 of the 500 targeted have been accepted, and I am confident we will exceed the target by year-end," he concluded. – Bernama
