Four Projects Under SPA’s Kampung Angkat MADANI Initiative Completed Ahead Of Schedule

KUALA KANGSAR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Four projects to improve basic facilities at Kampung Orang Asli Ulu Chenein in Sungai Siput, near here, have been completed under the Public Service Commission’s (SPA) Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative, involving an allocation of RM500,000.

Its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus, said the allocation was channelled towards meeting the villagers’ key needs, including sports facilities, improvements to the community space, as well as safety and access to the burial ground.

“We had shortlisted several villages in Perak this year, following similar initiatives carried out in Penang and Sabah in previous years.

“Kampung Ulu Chenein was chosen because it met the criteria for the programme,” he said after officiating the handover ceremony for the projects under the SPA Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative here today.

Also present were Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Ila Ahmad; SPA secretary Datuk Ikhbal Hanam Mukras; and Kampung Ulu Chenein headman Din Alang.

Ahmad Jailani, who is also Judicial and Legal Service Commission chairman, said all the projects were completed two weeks ahead of schedule, with the deadline set for the end of this month.

He expressed hope that the infrastructure projects would encourage greater involvement by government agencies in follow-up initiatives that could bring economic and social benefits to the Orang Asli community.

He said about five agencies and organisations had pledged their support for the initiative, including the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board and the Malaysian Cocoa Board, which are providing opportunities for the Orang Asli community to venture into agriculture and generate additional income.

“In education and research, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) will conduct a study, with the findings expected to contribute to the development of the Orang Asli community.

“The collaboration with CIDB Digital will involve installing solar panels at the surau in the village, while the Ikhtiar Foundation will organise motivation programmes for Orang Asli children.

Overall, the completion of the four projects under the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative was made possible through close cooperation between JAKOA, which led the effort, and GIATMARA Perak, which implemented the MADANI TVET Programme.

The projects directly benefit more than 300 residents of Kampung Orang Asli Ulu Chenein by improving safety, comfort and accessibility, while enhancing their social well-being and ensuring that the community is not left behind in the country’s development.

-- BERNAMA