JAKOA Training Centre In Paya Bungor Upgraded, Offers TVET Courses – Ahmad Zahid

KUANTAN, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) Paya Bungor Training Centre (PLPB) has been given a new lease of life following a RM30 million upgrading project, and has been in operation since September last year.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the centre now offers Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes based on skills that not only equip Orang Asli youths with technical know-how but also prepare them to enter strategic industries in demand today.

“As an initial step, we are proud that this training centre has been accredited as a certified centre under the Department of Skills Development. With this recognition, Orang Asli youths will be able to obtain the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Levels 2 and 3.

“The first cohort of trainees will begin their studies by the end of 2025,” he said at the PLPB launch ceremony here today, which was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

The event was graced and officiated by Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

PLPB, first established on Sept 11, 1969, has long served as a hub of knowledge and skills for the Orang Asli community. With its upgrade, it is now equipped with modern facilities including lecture rooms, a tailoring workshop, skill and community blocks, as well as sports and recreational facilities.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the Public Service Department (PSD) has approved 20 new posts at the centre without trade-offs, covering various grades and schemes to ensure smooth operations.

“Pahang is home to 84,071 Orang Asli, the highest in Malaysia. Therefore, this centre is not just a building, but a new landmark of hope, especially for the younger generation,” he said.

He said through JAKOA, various initiatives have been carried out to uplift the Orang Asli community, including upgrading the Kuala Lipis Transit Centre, building rural roads from Kampung Orang Asli Simoi Lama to Pos Lenjang in Lipis, constructing a new bridge at Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Gabong, and related works in Bentong.

Across Peninsular Malaysia, JAKOA has also built 28 new preschools for Orang Asli children, gazetted over 30 Orang Asli villages, implemented 258 treated water supply projects, and provided 812 infrastructure and social amenity projects, including 236 road upgrading, repair, and maintenance works in Orang Asli villages.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey with one goal, which is to ensure the Orang Asli community continues to be protected, their rights safeguarded and their future opportunities widened for generations to come,” he said.

-- BERNAMA