Kuala Lumpur: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has been tasked with providing full scholarships to Orang Asli students who have achieved a minimum of 5As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations. This directive was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as a way to acknowledge the dedication and resilience of these students.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the potential impact of this initiative by stating that it aims to create more opportunities and foster a promising future for Orang Asli children. In a Facebook post, he expressed his hopes for the program to be a stepping stone for the students’ advancement.

In a related video message, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, revealed that 1,932 Orang Asli students took the SPM examination, with 87 of them achieving 5As or higher. These students are eligible to receive full scholarships to continue their education at MARA Educational Institutions (IPMA).

Eligible students have the opportunity to apply to various institutions, including Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), and the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI), among other higher education institutions affiliated with MARA. Ahmad Zahid reiterated the importance of providing ongoing support to Orang Asli children, not only through moral encouragement but also by ensuring access to quality educational resources.