10-08-2025
State to hold workshops to boost Orang Asli economy
(From second left) Amirudin and Papparaidu along with other guests at the festival in Kampung Orang Asli Kelinsing, Sepang.
Selangor government will hold workshops to identify eligible Orang Asli who qualify for government assistance.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said Orang Asli participation in the various government programmes remained low.
'For instance, only 10 Orang Asli villages in Selangor have applied for funds under Sejati Madani.
'Sejati Madani is a Federal Government programme that allocates between RM50,000 and RM100,000 to boost the economy of villages.
'Hence, I will ask the state standing committee in charge of Orang Asli to identify eligible beneficiaries through workshops,' he said after attending the state-level Orang Asli Festival at Kampung Orang Asli Kelinsing in Sepang, Selangor.
Amirudin said the state aimed to promote the Orang Asli economy by designating their handicrafts as official souvenirs for government departments, agencies and events.
He said the state would showcase unique items of cultural and heritage importance like the Orang Asli woven headgear.
'This step will not only showcase the community's identity, but create new market opportunities to increase their income.
'These items can be used as souvenirs for Asean conferences and the like, hence introducing these products to a wider stage,' he said.
State human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V. Papparaidu who was present at the event, said the state was committed to creating opportunities and providing avenues for the Orang Asli community to actively participate in various education-related initiatives.
'Be it youth empowerment programmes, scholarships, skills training, or strategic partnerships with institutions of higher learning, these efforts aim to ensure Orang Asli children are not left behind in the advancement of knowledge and technology.
'The state believes that fair and comprehensive access to education is key to building a more prosperous and competitive future for the Orang Asli,' he said.
Papparaidu added that the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC) welcomed Orang Asli who were keen to join programmes.
'As Selangor's technical and vocational development centre, STDC is committed to offering inclusive learning opportunities tailored to participants' interests and potential,' he said.
'This includes people from indigenous communities.
'This approach will enable the Orang Asli to acquire practical, relevant skills, paving the way for more stable careers and sustainable incomes.'
He said Selangor was among states in Malaysia with a significant Orang Asli population – comprising Temuan, Mah Meri and Semai groups – with 74 villages. ― By VIJENTHI NAIR
