A step in the right direction in addressing Orang Asli issues

WITH the ongoing drafting of amendments to the 1954 Aboriginal Peoples Act (Act 134), long-standing disparities concerning Orang Asli land rights are finally being addressed by Malaysia’s Federal Government.

Under Budget 2025, the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) received a significant boost to its budget allocation. As part of a broader emphasis on education, Jakoa’s increased funding will strategically target improvements to the existing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and parent-focused classes – essential literacy and career development programmes within the Orang Asli communities.