KUALA LANGAT, Aug 19 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has urged the federal and state governments to provide and maintain basic amenities for the Orang Asli community in the state.
“I do not want the Orang Asli community in Selangor to be left behind in development and assume they are not relevant to the country’s progress.
“The federal and Selangor governments must ensure the basic amenities of the Orang Asli community, such as roads, water supply, electricity, clinics, and schools, are provided and maintained continuously, properly and completely,” the ruler said at the launch of a book on Mah Meri culture titled Moyang: Spirit of Carey Island here today.
The sultan said the state government must be attentive to the needs of its Orang Asli community and assist in their development and progress.
His Royal Highness also reminded the government to ensure the indigenous community’s health and cleanliness needs are met so they can be free of disease.
He called on the government and private sector to assist in repairs for the Mah Meri Cultural Village in Kampung Sungai Bumbun, Pulau Carey, which was damaged in a recent storm.
“This is to ensure the people and foreign tourists who wish to learn about Orang Asli in Pulay Carey and experience the village atmosphere can visit the village,” the ruler said, noting that the book launch should be held at the Mah Meri Cultural Village.
Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope the book will guide efforts to advance the Orang Asli community in Selangor and attract historians and art enthusiasts to study indigenous customs, traditions, and arts.
His Royal Highness said traditions, artistic elements, and beliefs of the Mah Meri people, who settled in Pulau Carey over 300 years ago, are explained in the book, and said it can serve as reference for future generations to learn about the community.
“I am proud of the Mah Meri Orang Asli community in Selangor, which has successfully demonstrated its uniqueness to the world, receiving recognition from Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) for its wood carvings, garnering 22 Unesco Seal of Excellence awards.
“I hope that with this book, the Mah Meri’s crafts and tourism products will gain wider recognition and subsequently enhance their economy and standard of living,” the ruler said.
Earlier, the ruler, Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah were received by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari upon arrival at the Amverton Cove Golf and Island Resort on Pulau Carey.
— Bernama
