By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — The Selangor government has allocated RM500,000 for various Orang Asli development programmes throughout this year, said state executive councillor for Orang Asli and minority affairs V. Papparaidu.
He said nearly half of the allocation, or RM246,832, had been distributed as of July to fund educational programmes, housing upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
“Additionally, community service programmes in Orang Asli villages and leadership enhancement workshops have been conducted.
“We will ensure that the needs and voices of the Orang Asli community are always addressed, particularly regarding customary land boundaries and their infrastructure development,” he said in a press conference here yesterday, in conjunction with the World’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration.
Papparaidu stressed that the welfare of the Orang Asli community remains a priority to ensure they are not left behind in the development of the state.
“This includes a strong focus on the importance of education within their community. The state government offers various forms of assistance, including the Sagong Tasi special scholarship programme, which helps Orang Asli students pursue higher education.
“I also urge Orang Asli leaders and village heads to be proactive in emphasising the importance of education for their children. We want to ensure that they at least complete secondary education, with the hope that they pursue even higher levels,” he said.
Earlier, Papparaidu announced that the Selangor and Federal Territory-level Indigenous Peoples Day celebration is scheduled to take place on August 25 at Kampung Orang Asli Serigala, Hulu Selangor.
“There will be a variety of engaging activities, including cultural performances, and the event is expected to be attended by around 500 people,” he said.
World’s Indigenous Peoples Day is observed annually on August 9 to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples globally and acknowledge their contributions to society.
At the national level, this year’s celebration is scheduled for today in Tondong, Bau, Sarawak.
