By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SEPANG, May 27 — The state government has allocated RM950,000 to build 13 single-storey units for the Orang Asli community under the Bina Baru dan Baikpulih Rumah Kerajaan Prihatin programme.
State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) assistant director (sectoral section) Idayuamimah Ibrahim said the project, which began in June last year, includes the construction of three-room houses worth RM85,000 and two-room houses worth RM55,000.
"This programme aims to provide comfort for the Orang Asli community living in the rural area, thereby improving their living standards," she said after the house keys handover ceremony to the recipients today.
Idayuamimah said the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) manages residency applications, and Upen verifies eligibility.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) Technical and Building Management Department senior manager Kamarul Zaki Khalid said the handover of house keys is expected to be completed by mid-June.
Today’s handover involved four houses in Dengkil and two in Hulu Langat, with the remaining residences located in Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat.
"So far, 10 houses have been completed, whereas three more are in the final phase of construction," he said.
Meanwhile, the recipients said the dream of owning a home has finally been realised after being selected for the programme.
[caption id="attachment_358393" align="alignleft" width="386"]
Recipient Jiah Chiti, 46, speaking to the press during the keys handover ceremony of new homes for the Orang Asli community, at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Jenuk, Dengkil, on May 27, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Jiah Chiti, a 46-year-old mother of four, said the state initiative helped her acquire a three-bedroom house to replace her dilapidated home.
“It is hard to describe the feeling. I am very grateful because this new house provides comfort for my children, including one who is still in school.
“This shows that the state government takes care of the welfare of all ethnicities and all groups. I would also like to thank Jakoa for assisting with the application until our dream came true,” she said.
For Rapiah Sitip, 60, the new home is a considerable improvement from her former living conditions, as she had been living with her bedridden husband in a hut located behind their new house.
“My husband has been bedridden for a long time, suffering from paralysis, and was being cared for by our child in the temporary hut behind the new house while it was being built.
“Thank you, state government, I have been waiting a long time for this house, I feel very happy and took leave from work to receive the house keys,” she said.
[caption id="attachment_358354" align="aligncenter" width="824"]
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) Technical and Building Management Department senior manager Kamarul Zaki Khalid (third from right) with Orang Asli recipients of new homes under the Bina Baru dan Baikpulih Rumah Kerajaan Prihatin programme at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Jenuk, Dengkil, on May 27, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
