Kuala lumpur: Malaysia plans to set up an Orang Asli Business Council and a dedicated Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution to boost the economic standing of the indigenous community, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, mentioned that these initiatives are part of five key proposals inspired by the success of New Zealand’s Maori community in empowering their indigenous population. He announced plans to hold a special meeting with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to discuss the formation of the Orang Asli Business Council and the establishment of a TVET institution aimed at nurturing technopreneurs within the community.
Ahmad Zahid, currently on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, spent the second day of his trip in Rotorua, a cultural and geothermal tourism hub. Alongside the business council and educational initiatives, he highlighted plans for a microfinancing division under Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to help Orang Asli women generate supplementary income, emphasizing the importance of empowering mothers to improve their family’s financial standing.
Increasing access to higher education for Orang Asli youth is another key focus. In 2023, the government targeted 300 enrolments in higher education institutions and surpassed that number. The 2024 goal of 400 has also been achieved, with over 500 Orang Asli students enrolled in universities and colleges this year. Ahmad Zahid stressed the need to review and amend existing legislation concerning Orang Asli affairs to further these educational goals.
He emphasized that the implementation of these initiatives could significantly enhance social mobility among the Orang Asli by broadening opportunities and raising their standing through education. The proposed initiatives will be overseen by the Orang Asli Development Committee, chaired by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, with the necessary authority to implement the recommendations.
During his visit, Ahmad Zahid and his delegation explored best practices in agriculture and livestock management at the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village and Onuku Farm, which could be adapted to support rural development in Malaysia.