Melaka: The Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) is committed to ensuring more Orang Asli students enter MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) in the future. JAKOA deputy director-general (Development) Mohd Zambri Mustajap stated that the initiative with the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) aims to help the community improve their families’ living standards and break free from the cycle of poverty.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, only 40 Orang Asli students have successfully enrolled in MRSM so far, but the number continues to grow each year. Mohd Zambri emphasized that one of JAKOA’s key objectives is to see more students from the community gain admission into the institution. He expressed the desire to provide them with the opportunity to learn in MRSM and compete with other races to improve their education level and household economy.

Mohd Zambri shared these insights after the Orang Asli leadership discourse and iftar event, which was attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. During the event, the state government introduced health insurance coverage and funeral benefits for Orang Asli customs board members, along with schooling aid for Orang Asli students in the state.

He further elaborated that prioritising education among Orang Asli is one of the key objectives of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower the group. Mohd Zambri highlighted that the two initiatives demonstrate the state government’s commitment to supporting and protecting the welfare of the Orang Asli community.