Latest news with #DepartmentofOrangAsliDevelopment
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan allocates RM4.02m for Orang Asli development
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government has allocated RM4.02 million to the state Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) for community projects this year. Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, State Rural Development, Plantation and Commodities Committee chairman, said the projects cover treated water supply, infrastructure, and social amenities. He added that the allocation also includes access roads, house construction, repairs, agriculture, and rural entrepreneurship programmes. 'Of the total allocation, JAKOA has so far committed and spent RM3,576,639 for Orang Asli community development,' he said. Jalaluddin noted that RM440,920 is pending ministry approval for project implementation. He stated that 90 per cent of JAKOA-recognised villages have access to basic necessities like water and electricity. 'The remainder that lack access are additional villages not gazetted as Orang Asli Reserves,' he told reporters recently. Jalaluddin assured that JAKOA remains committed to improving Orang Asli welfare through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development. He also highlighted that some Orang Asli households prefer using clean hill water over piped supply to avoid monthly payments. – Bernama
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
JAKOA allocates RM1 mln for Orang Asli Tabika in Kuala Betis
GUA MUSANG: The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) has allocated RM1 million to construct a new preschool (Tabika) in Kampung Orang Asli Teranek, Kuala Betis. The project aims to enhance early childhood education facilities for the Orang Asli community. JAKOA Director-General Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor stated that the new Tabika is essential as classes were previously held in a surau in Kampung Rod, which was unsuitable. 'We recognise the need for a proper facility to support early education,' she said. The new building will replace the current temporary setup. 'Once inspections and equipment installations are completed, we will relocate the Tabika here,' Sapiah added. The facility is expected to be operational within two to three months. Sapiah made the announcement after the Pre-Handover Ceremony of the KOA Teranek Tabika Construction Project. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act, inspired by Maori model
WELLINGTON: The Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) is now undergoing amendments for the first time in over seven decades, drawing inspiration from New Zealand's Māori empowerment model, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said that among the key elements introduced by the New Zealand government — and potentially adaptable in Malaysia — are land ownership rights, more inclusive access to education, and the establishment of dedicated financing agencies to support indigenous entrepreneurship. "This Act 134 is 71 years old, and many aspects need to be re-examined. Here in New Zealand, we are not only looking at land ownership issues, but also rights in education, business and financing," he said at a press conference at Rumah Malaysia here today. However, Zahid stressed that New Zealand's approach could not be adopted wholesale, as it must be adapted to suit the needs and realities of the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. Zahid, who is the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, which ends on Friday. He explained that the amendments to Act 134 are at the preliminary draft stage, with stakeholder engagement ongoing involving various parties, including Orang Asli academics and professionals. The Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa), which falls under his ministry, has been tasked with restructuring the community development ecosystem to ensure it goes beyond basic needs such as infrastructure and education. "The aim of the amendment is not to deny rights, but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. "It will go through Cabinet-level discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, voted on, and subsequently presented to the King for his consent for gazetting," he said. He also emphasised the need for close cooperation with state governments, given that land ownership matters fall under state jurisdiction. "Engagement sessions with state leaders and representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages are ongoing. We want a comprehensive and inclusive approach," he said. He said over 225,000 Orang Asli have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, and the government has never sidelined the interests of the community despite it being a minority. As such, he expects the draft amendments to Act 134 to be tabled in the March session of Parliament next year. Earlier, Zahid held a meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, at the country's Parliament. The meeting opened avenues for bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development and served as a platform for policy and experience exchange between the two countries. He also held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, and attended an engagement session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand president, Ibrar Sheikh, at Rumah Malaysia. — BERNAMA
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia considers Maori model to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act
WELLINGTON: The Malaysian government is reviewing the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) after 71 years, with plans to incorporate elements from New Zealand's Maori empowerment model. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted key areas for reform, including land ownership, education access, and financial support for indigenous entrepreneurs. Ahmad Zahid noted that New Zealand's approach offers valuable lessons but must be adapted to Malaysia's context. 'This Act 134 is 71 years old, and many aspects need to be re-examined. Here in New Zealand, we are not only looking at land ownership issues, but also rights in education, business and financing,' he said during a press conference at Rumah Malaysia. The Deputy PM emphasised that while New Zealand's policies provide a useful framework, Malaysia's implementation must align with the needs of the Orang Asli community. Ahmad Zahid is currently on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, concluding on Friday. He explained that the amendments to Act 134 are at the preliminary draft stage, with stakeholder engagement ongoing involving various parties, including Orang Asli academics and professionals. The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), which falls under his ministry, has been tasked with restructuring the community development ecosystem to ensure it goes beyond basic needs such as infrastructure and education. 'The aim of the amendment is not to deny rights, but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. 'It will go through Cabinet-level discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, voted on, and subsequently presented to the King for his consent for gazetting,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also emphasised the need for close cooperation with state governments, given that land ownership matters fall under state jurisdiction. 'Engagement sessions with state leaders and representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages are ongoing. We want a comprehensive and inclusive approach,' he said. He said over 225,000 Orang Asli have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, and the government has never sidelined the interests of the community despite it being a minority. As such, he expects the draft amendments to Act 134 to be tabled in the March session of Parliament next year. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid held a meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, at the country's Parliament. The meeting opened avenues for bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development and served as a platform for policy and experience exchange between the two countries. He also held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, and attended an engagement session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand president, Ibrar Sheikh, at Rumah Malaysia. - Bernama
The Star
15-07-2025
- General
- The Star
STPM top scorer from Jakun tribe set to pursue dreams at University of Manchester
KUANTAN: Driven by determination and hope, a young Orang Asli woman from the Jakun tribe has earned a place to study economics at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step forward in her mission to drive change in her community. Roziana Tan Beng Hai, 20, who scored a perfect 4.0 CGPA in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination, said she chose to pursue economics and social studies with the ambition of becoming an economist. "I am the first person from Kampung Mentelung, Rompin, to sit for STPM. Not many people in my village have had the chance to study this far, and most of them are from the B40 group. "It's my hope to raise the living standard and create job opportunities for my community,' she told reporters at the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and STPM Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony organised by the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) at a hotel here on Tuesday. Roziana described the opportunity to study abroad as her way of repaying her mother, Rohani Lamwan, 56, who had raised her alone while working at an oil palm estate under YP Plantation Holdings Sdn Bhd. "I want to give my mother something to be proud of, so she'll know that raising me on her own wasn't in vain,' said Roziana, who is currently preparing to sit for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) on July 19. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Siti Nur Hawani Muhammad Almi, who scored 9As in the SPM examination, said she would pursue Islamic Education at the Teacher Training Institute, Dato' Razali Ismail Campus, Kuala Terengganu, starting Aug 11. The former Sekolah Menengah Agama Al-Hasanah student said furthering studies in Islamic Education was her first choice as she aspired to become an Ustazah (religious teacher). "I was truly inspired by my teachers at school and found that teaching is something I actually enjoy. "I used to help my friends study during SPM, and that's where my passion grew,' she said. At the same time, Siti Nur Hawani encouraged SPM candidates to step out of their comfort zones to achieve extraordinary results. "I never used to get 8As or 9As. Usually, I scored 5As or 6As. I wasn't very focused at first, but as SPM got closer, I realised I needed to change. I pushed myself to work harder, and in the end, I achieved 9As. Alhamdulillah,' she said. Roziana and Siti Nur Hawani were among 149 Orang Asli students recognised for their academic achievements at the ceremony. Jakoa deputy director-general (Development) Zamri Mustajap said a total of RM45,550 in incentives was allocated to all recipients.- Bernama
