Melaka:Barisan Nasional (BN) has pledged to provide improved toilet facilities for 24 homes across four Orang Asli villages in Asahan if it retains the state seat in the upcoming Melaka election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BN candidate for the Asahan state seat, Datuk Dr Fairul Nizam Roslan, stated that the initiative would benefit households in Kampung Orang Asli Sialang in Batang Melaka, Kampung Orang Asli Gapam Batu and Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Seraya in Bukit Senggeh, as well as Kampung Orang Asli Solok Terentang in Jus.

The incumbent Asahan assemblyman emphasized that upgrading the facilities would be a priority due to the full capacity of the septic tanks serving the existing toilets. He expressed the importance of addressing this issue for the health and well-being of the residents and hoped to resolve the toilet problems affecting the 24 homes within a year, contingent upon being given another mandate.

Fairul Nizam, who is also the state Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman, highlighted that 18 Orang Asli homes in Melaka had been repaired and refurbished during his tenure. Known as YB Along, he stated that this housing improvement initiative demonstrated the state government's ongoing commitment to the welfare of the Orang Asli community, ensuring they are included in development efforts.

Additionally, he noted that the provision of free WiFi services to 14 Orang Asli villages across Melaka under the Melaka Digital programme further illustrated the government's dedication to bridging the digital divide between the Orang Asli community and others. The Asahan constituency consists of four Orang Asli villages, comprising a total of 174 heads of households. Polling day is scheduled for November 14, with early voting commencing on November 10.