SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 — The state government has allocated RM7.1 million since 2020 to empower the Orang Asli community in Selangor through various initiatives.
State executive councillor for Orang Asli and minority affairs Papparaidu Veraman said the annual allocation for the group tripled from RM500,000 in 2020 to RM1.5 million this year.
He said initiatives for the community include housing aid — such as for repairs and construction — upgrading basic infrastructure in Orang Asli villages, installing solar lights, and health, cultural, education, and community programmes.
“When the state government created a specific portfolio to oversee Orang Asli affairs, this shows that the state truly cares for the community in Selangor,” he said during Media Selangor’s Bicara Semasa programme.
Boosting literacy
Papparaidu said Orang Asli welfare is not limited to the provision of infrastructure and facilities, but also encompasses education and healthcare, which have been given due attention.
“I believe the cycle of poverty can be broken if at least one member of an underprivileged family gets proper education, at least to the diploma or degree level.
“That is why I’ve made it a requirement for all Tok Batin (Orang Asli village heads) to ensure children in their communities at least complete the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. Following that, the state and federal governments will offer various forms of aid to help them attain a degree, PhD and such.”
He said among the aid provided by the state includes a daily allowance of RM4 for Form 1 to 5 students, as well as school uniform aid for Year 1 and Form 1 students.
“Other assistance include scholarships for students entering public higher learning institutions, school transportation, and student motivation programmes,” he said.
Healthcare still a priority
To ensure the healthcare of the indigenous community, Papparaidu said the Gombak Orang Asli Hospital serves this purpose, making Malaysia one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that continues to maintain a dedicated hospital for the community since it was established around the 1960s.
“We can be proud that, across Southeast Asia, we are one of the countries that still maintains an Orang Asli hospital under the supervision of the Health Ministry. The staff there are truly caring. This hospital is not like an ordinary hospital — it is somewhat more traditional.
“There are patients who come from Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, and other states, and the state government provides assistance in various forms, although there are several matters that require serious attention, such as the need to modernise facilities with more advanced medical equipment and machinery.”
He said Selangor will strengthen the state’s Orang Asli development agenda through proposed allocations in the 2026 Selangor State Budget.
“My focus in the upcoming budget is to improve road, bridge, electricity, internet, and clean water facilities in Orang Asli villages. This will significantly enhance their standard of living,” Papparaidu added.
