Johor bahru: More than 600 Orang Asli children are currently enrolled in universities and colleges nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the community's educational advancement and highlighting the government's commitment to improving education for the Orang Asli group. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced this achievement, emphasizing the government's focus on education as a tool for enhancing the social mobility of the Orang Asli community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Rural and Regional Development Minister noted that the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) was integrated into his ministry four years ago, with an initial target set for 200 Orang Asli children to gain admission to higher education institutions. In the first year, not only was the target met, but the number exceeded 300. The following year, the target increased to 300, resulting in over 400 Orang Asli students entering universities.
In his speech at the national-level Orang Asli Sports Carnival (KSOA) at EduCity Sports Complex, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that this year's achievement of over 600 students demonstrates the community's potential to thrive when provided with appropriate educational opportunities and support. He noted that education plays a crucial role in improving the social status of communities globally.
Efforts to enhance education among the Orang Asli have been extended to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with the establishment of institutions specifically for the community, such as the Paya Bungor Training Centre in Maran, Pahang. Currently, 135 Orang Asli students are partaking in TVET programmes offering both short- and long-term courses.
Additionally, Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude to the Johor government for allocating RM600,000 to 60 Orang Asli villages in the state, equating to RM10,000 per village, and expressed hope for increased allocation in the upcoming Johor Budget. He also acknowledged His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim for appointing former Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim as a special officer for Orang Asli affairs under the Sultan Ibrahim Foundation, reflecting His Majesty's commitment to the welfare and development of the Orang Asli community in Johor.