Kuala Lumpur: The government currently has no plans to develop housing for sale on Orang Asli reserve land, announced Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang. She clarified that the land, which is officially designated as Orang Asli reserve land, is intended for the community’s settlements and not for commercial development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rubiah emphasized the need for a thorough study and ample time to assess such proposals, given their potential implications on the welfare and well-being of the Orang Asli community. She addressed this during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara, responding to Senator Manolan Mohamad’s inquiry about possible government plans to build new housing for sale to the Orang Asli on reserved land.

In addition, Rubiah revealed that a pilot project is in progress in collaboration with the Pahang Housing and Real Estate Board (LPHP), aiming to construct houses for the Orang Asli through a cost-sharing scheme between the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) and LPHP. She mentioned that if the pilot project proves successful, the government might consider expanding it to other Orang Asli villages.

Each house in this initiative is priced at RM115,000, with a built-up area of 720 square feet. Furthermore, Rubiah noted the government’s partnership with Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) to introduce another pilot project in Perak, focusing on housing for second-generation Orang Asli. This project plans to build houses costing RM75,000 each, with funding of RM20,000 from SPNB and RM55,000 from JAKOA.