Johor Bahru: The government, through the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), has allocated RM16.21 million this year for the development of the Orang Asli community in Johor.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the allocation would benefit more than 18,000 Orang Asli from five tribes, namely Seletar, Kanaq, Jakun, Kuala, and Temuan. He stated that the allocation covered the implementation of various programs, including economic and entrepreneurship development, housing assistance, infrastructure projects, road upgrades, treated water supply projects, human capital development, as well as cultural and heritage empowerment initiatives.
Datuk Zahari emphasized the state government's commitment to implementing initiatives to ensure no target group is left behind in the development agenda, particularly the Orang Asli community, as they work towards achieving developed state status by 2030. Earlier, Zahari, along with state JAKOA director Faisal Long and Johor Orang Asli community leaders, visited the Orang Asli village of Desa Teluk Setimbul in Indonesia as part of the Johor Orang Asli Leadership Programme in Tanjung Balai Karimun, Riau Islands.
He noted that the Orang Asli community in Desa Teluk Setimbul had become more self-reliant, as they did not receive specific government assistance, unlike their counterparts in Johor. Zahari expressed hope that the experience and knowledge gained through this program could be applied in their respective villages.
In the same statement, Batin Ayob Amran from Kampung Orang Asli Senggarang, Batu Pahat, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the state government and JAKOA for their commitment to improving the lives of the Orang Asli through various initiatives. Similarly, Mohd Shafiee Noore from Kampung Orang Asli Simpang Arang valued the opportunity to participate in the program and expressed gratitude for the state government's continuous efforts in prioritizing the development of Orang Asli youths.