Sultan Nazrin Officiates SMAR Orang Asli Nurul Hidayah, Highlights Education As Key To Empowering Orang Asli Community

SUNGAI SIPUT, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today officially opened Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat (SMAR) Orang Asli Nurul Hidayah in Kampung Kenang, Sungai Siput Utara, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen education and human capital development among the Orang Asli community in the state.

Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, and the Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini and Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) director Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim were also present.

In his speech, Sultan Nazrin said SMAR Nurul Hidayah, which is the first SMAR Orang Asli in the country, has played an important role as a catalyst for change within the Orang Asli community of Kampung Kenang.

“The establishment of this school marks an important milestone in efforts to empower human capital development and Islamic education among the Orang Asli community in Perak.

“It began as a dakwah and fardu ain learning centre before expanding into the first educational institution in Perak to offer an integrated curriculum combining academic and religious education,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin noted that after more than three decades, SMAR Nurul Hidayah has built a meaningful legacy and achieved significant success in uplifting the Orang Asli community, particularly in Perak.

The Ruler stressed that the establishment of the school goes beyond constructing an educational institution, describing it as a major investment in securing a brighter future for Orang Asli children.

His Royal Highness said that the school reflects MAIPk’s commitment to supporting the national aspiration of ensuring that every child, regardless of background or geographical location, has equal access to education, opportunities to shape their future and the ability to contribute meaningfully to religion, society and the country.

The Sultan also highlighted the school’s strategic role in Perak’s educational landscape, noting that it has succeeded not only in producing knowledgeable individuals but also in preserving faith, syariah values and moral character among the young generation.

“I am pleased to share that the achievements of students at this school are highly encouraging. More importantly, some former students have returned to serve the community and contribute to advancing education and raising awareness within the Orang Asli community in this state.

“I hope that the new infrastructure at SMAR Nurul Hidayah will inspire educators to further enhance the quality of teaching and motivate students to pursue knowledge with greater determination.

“May this school continue to nurture future generations of Orang Asli who excel academically while possessing strong religious values, noble character and leadership qualities,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin further emphasised that education is a comprehensive and integrated process of developing individual potential to produce knowledgeable, ethical and responsible citizens.

His Royal Highness said education remains the primary key to unlocking progress, shaping character, strengthening identity and elevating the dignity of society.

“Built upon four main dimensions...intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical, education is not merely about transferring knowledge and information, but about teaching, guiding and nurturing individuals to develop character grounded in knowledge and religious values for the benefit of themselves and society,” added the Sultan.

-- BERNAMA