Endau: The government has approved 24 new Tok Batin posts for Orang Asli villages nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots leadership and ensure development initiatives for the community are delivered more effectively. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, announced that the approval was reached during yesterday's Cabinet meeting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tok Batin, who serves as the community leader and customary head of Orang Asli villages, plays a role as a bridge between the community and the government in coordinating village-level needs and development. "For the Orang Asli community in Endau, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), in collaboration with the state government, has gazetted several villages including Tanjung Tuan, Tanah Abang, Peta and Labong, which have been approved as Orang Asli villages," Ahmad Zahid said in his speech at the Endau Community Engagement Programme today.

He mentioned that several other villages are still in the process of being gazetted, subject to approval from the state government. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the government is also implementing infrastructure developments to benefit the Orang Asli community, including the construction of four schools, halls, roads, as well as the provision of water, electricity, and telecommunications facilities.

"Various efforts have been implemented and will continue to be strengthened through different initiatives led by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development and state governments for the Orang Asli community," he added.