Kuala lumpur: The government has pledged to empower the Orang Asli community through legislative amendments and innovative strategies to ensure their parity with other races in the nation, announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, shared insights from his visit to the Maori community in Rotorua, New Zealand. The successful restoration of indigenous rights there, enabling control over key industries, serves as an inspiration for similar progress for the Orang Asli. He emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the community's living standards through legislative changes and new initiatives.
Addressing a query from Senator Manolan Mohamad regarding the government's target to increase Orang Asli representation in the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), Ahmad Zahid highlighted the growing number of professionals among the Orang Asli, including doctoral degree holders, professors, engineers, and accountants. He stressed that education is a priority for the Orang Asli, ensuring no marginalization and fostering committed involvement.
The government extends continuous support to Orang Asli students at primary and secondary levels, providing transportation, daily allowances, and other aids to facilitate social mobility. Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude for the support of various stakeholders, including Orang Asli professionals, in these initiatives.
In response to Senator Shahrol Wizan Sulong's question on enhancing employment opportunities for Orang Asli youth, Ahmad Zahid outlined three strategic approaches: academic, technical education ecosystems, and entrepreneurial courses. These pathways aim to integrate youth into public, GLC, GLIC, and private sectors, with structured collaborations among ministries.
From 2021 to 2024, 2,913 Orang Asli youths became community rangers with the Peninsular Forestry Department, while 37 joined other agencies. In the Malaysia Aviation Group, five youths were employed as cabin crew last year, and in the private sector, Orang Asli youths secured positions at Sony, HRD Corp, and KOBINA.
In entrepreneurship, the Orang Asli community's participation is rising, notably through the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival (KUD) and Orang Asli Entrepreneur Carnival (KUOA), with significant sales achievements. MARA supports this growth through e-commerce training and international market access under MARA's Gate to Global initiative.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized the need to amend the 71-year-old Orang Asli Act 1954 (Act 134) to restore community rights. He highlighted educational advancements, surpassing university entry targets for Orang Asli children in recent years, and expressed optimism for continued success in 2023.