Kuala lumpur: A follow-up meeting with state legal advisors regarding amendments to Act 134 concerning land issues affecting the Orang Asli community will be held tomorrow, announced Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang. This meeting is a preparatory step before the matter is presented at the National Land Council meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Rubiah explained that the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has previously conducted engagement sessions with state governments through the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) to discuss the proposed amendments. The ministry has collected input from Orang Asli leaders and relevant agencies to ensure the amendments are comprehensive and consider the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Rubiah also reported that as of August 28, the Community Development Department (KEMAS) has received 121,178 registration applications for its kindergartens and childcare centers for the 2026 intake.
In parallel developments, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu highlighted that out of the 90,779 approved applications for the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) as of June 3, a significant 89.5% were from applicants aged 40 and below. The SKJP fund was increased by RM10 billion in 2025, bringing the total allocation to RM30 billion. This scheme provides financing guarantees for first home purchases, including principal financing costs, legal, and valuation fees, extending support to gig economy workers without steady incomes.
Meanwhile, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that Sabah and Sarawak are poised to become major aquaculture hubs through 37 projects worth RM227.9 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Key initiatives include modern ports and aquaculture industrial zones in Sabah and Sarawak, aiming to enhance the national food supply chain and establish Sabah as a hub for high-value seafood exports.
Regarding rice production, Arthur noted a two-year, five-season pilot project is underway in major rice-growing areas. This project has led to the introduction of three new rice varieties capable of yielding up to nine metric tonnes per hectare. These advancements have spurred the allocation of nearly RM1 billion under Budget 2025 for irrigation upgrades and dam rehabilitation to further boost local rice production.