Budget 2027: JAKOA Allocation To Expand Access To Education And Improve Utility Facilities For Orang Asli

By Siti Maisarah Ahmad

GUA MUSANG, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The increase in the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) allocation by RM24 million to RM445 million in Budget 2027 will expand access to education and improve basic facilities for the community, particularly the Temiar tribe in the interior of Kelantan.

Kelantan and Terengganu JAKOA director Mohd Faedzyal Mohamed said the initiative is crucial for uplifting the living standards and socioeconomic status of the Orang Asli community, as well as narrowing the gap in facilities between the community and urban areas.

“Early childhood education for Orang Asli children will be strengthened through the construction of new preschools at Kampung Orang Asli (KOA) Angkek and Pos Belatim (in Gua Musang). This measure is crucial to ensure that the new generation in remote settlements gains access to quality education from an early age.

“Regarding utilities, the Pos Gob area is set to receive large-scale solar lighting facilities through a project by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), aimed at enhancing the safety and comfort of residents,” he told Bernama recently.

He said that the Kelantan and Terengganu JAKOA would continue to strengthen collaboration with ministries, departments, government agencies, the private sector, and community leaders to ensure that development projects meet the actual needs of the Orang Asli community.

Mohd Faedzyal added that such collaboration is also vital to ensure development is implemented inclusively, without compromising the identity, heritage, and sustainability of the community's way of life.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Orang Asli chief penghulu Bidi Ronggeng, 48, said continued government support is essential to ensure remote residents also enjoy better infrastructure, particularly in education and basic amenities.

He said that the construction of a new preschool in Kampung Angkek is urgently needed, given that the Kuala Betis Resettlement Scheme (RPS) has a high density of Orang Asli residents in Kelantan.

“We hope this allocation will help realise the community's aspirations -- especially regarding the provision of early education and basic amenities -- so that no Orang Asli community is left behind in enjoying the benefits of development,” he said.

While tabling Budget 2027 last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM445 million for JAKOA; this allocation covers, among other things, the construction of Orang Asli preschools in Kampung Angkek and Pos Belitam, Gua Musang.

-- BERNAMA