Role, Voice Of Orang Asli Continue To Be Recognised In National Development - Ahmad Zahid

ROMPIN, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The role and voice of the Orang Asli community continue to be recognised in national development, both directly and indirectly, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the government had implemented various development initiatives and programmes, including socio-economic efforts, to empower the community.

He said human capital development, education, skills, careers, welfare and infrastructure were among the areas being given attention.

“The Federal Government’s commitment is demonstrated through the allocation channelled to the Orang Asli community this year, amounting to RM412 million, to ensure that the community throughout Peninsular Malaysia has access to a quality standard of living and well-being,” he said.

He said this in his speech at a Kenduri Rakyat Programme in conjunction with the Orang Asli Day 2026 at Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mok here today, which was officiated by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah was also present at the programme, which was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Ahmad Zahid said the Orang Asli community’s achievements in various areas demonstrated that the community had moved into an increasingly better phase of life.

“This year, we are targeting 600 Orang Asli to enter universities to pursue diploma and degree programmes,” he said.

He said these efforts had been strengthened through strategic initiatives and collaboration between the state and Federal governments, with support from government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals.

On the programme held in conjunction with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on Aug 9, Ahmad Zahid said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Federal and state governments to jointly celebrate the culture and way of life of the Orang Asli community.

The Orang Asli population in Malaysia stands at 224,559, including 86,350 in Pahang.

-- BERNAMA