NGO hands over memo to govt on Orang Asli land rights
BANTING : Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS), a network of 120 indigenous peoples organisations in Malaysia, today submitted a memorandum to the national unity ministry in conjunction with the celebration of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples Day.
The memorandum was presented by JOAS president Hellan Empaing Anak Chi Tungkat to national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang at the launch of the celebration at Tadom Hill Resort here today.
The document sought to reaffirm their rights to land, customary territories and natural resources; recognise the leadership role of indigenous peoples in addressing climate change and managing resources; and strengthen intergenerational voices, particularly among youth.
It also calls for inclusive and accountable governance, while valuing cultural resilience and the deep connections to customary lands and territories.
Aaron said the ministry would carefully review the memorandum before making any further decisions on the issues raised.
'This memorandum will be studied by the government, and the concerns expressed will be given serious attention,' he said when met after opening the ceremony here today.
He said the government had always recognised the Orang Asli community as an important part of the nation's identity and a vital contributor to preserving Malaysia's cultural diversity, which he described as one of the country's greatest strengths.
'The Madani government, through the 13th Malaysia Plan, is giving serious focus to improving the quality of life of the Orang Asli community in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
'One of the key priorities under this strategy is the review of the Orang Asli Act 1954 (Act 134) to strengthen the protection of the community's rights and dignity.'
He also called on the community to take a more active role in participating and building cooperation with the Rukun Tetangga in their respective areas.
He said such involvement would not only foster stronger social bonds and a neighbourhood spirit but also provide the Orang Asli with better access to local development programmes.
'In addition, the government will continue to fully support initiatives to preserve the language, oral heritage and cultural arts of the indigenous community.
'This cultural heritage is not only a national treasure that must be safeguarded but also contains traditional knowledge and values that are crucial in tackling global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.'
The 2025 Indigenous Day, themed 'Protect the Earth, Restore the Land, Regreen the Future – Through Indigenous Wisdom', is celebrated annually to honour the identity, culture, contributions and rights of indigenous peoples.
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