Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), through the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), has introduced an Orang Asli Agriculture Modernisation Programme to improve their income and competitiveness. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, announced that the programme aims to transform the agricultural and livestock landscape for the Orang Asli community to be more modern and sustainable through the adoption of modern technology.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme is expected to benefit over 5,000 recipients over the next five years. It offers various forms of assistance aimed at enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector. The support includes agricultural equipment aid of up to RM5,000 and an allocation of RM50,000 for agricultural infrastructure development, such as irrigation systems, produce storage, and greenhouses in Orang Asli settlement areas.
The government is also providing agricultural mechanisation assistance of up to RM15,000, covering support for small machinery and automatic irrigation systems, and agricultural integration aid of up to RM10,000 for developing integrated agricultural systems. Additionally, Bantuan Sara Hidup of RM170 per month is given to over 2,000 recipients each year under the Orang Asli Oil Palm Plantation Replanting Programme.
Ahmad Zahid further stated that JAKOA has implemented the Orang Asli Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Programme to enhance the community’s socio-economic status. This initiative includes Entrepreneur Guidance Assistance Grants for building business premises, including workshops, not exceeding RM50,000, and the provision of equipment and light machinery aid of up to RM30,000. Furthermore, Cooperative Grant assistance is available up to RM300,000 for each application, along with assistance from the Cooperative Support Incentive Scheme (SISKOP) Programme not exceeding RM25,000.
With these initiatives, the government aims for a 40 per cent increase in the rate of Orang Asli household incomes by 2030, thus effectively reducing poverty within the community. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that while JAKOA is responsible for the progress of the Orang Asli community, it remains a national agenda that requires involvement from the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and local communities. He expressed confidence that through such strategic and integrated approaches, the Orang Asli community will continue to progress, becoming competitive and independent.