IN any meaningful endeavour related to social economic well-being, its significance is not much to gauge on how well the stock market is doing, how many jobs are created, or the amount of foreign direct investment. What matters most is how the marginalised communities and the lower middle class are faring in the social economic and environmental landscape that are in the state of turbulence and the importance of taking up opportunities that are provided. In this process enabling conditions for empowerment is vital.

The Association for Community and Dialogue welcomes the effort of the Human Resources Ministry in reaching out and introducing TVET education to the Orang Asli community. For example, Institut Latihan Perindustrian Jelapang Ipoh, which is a TVET school, has enrolled 17 Orang Asli students. Last year there were seven Orang Asli students who joined ILP.

According to ministry officials, the Tok Batins nationwide have shown interest in TVET education for their community. The minister himself has personally handed out the basic necessities for the Orang Asli students at ILP. It shows the government’s serious effort to implement a shared prosperity vision that is inclusive of all Malaysians.

The indigenous people who reside in the remote areas basically have various challenges related to their social economic well-being, besides being victims of greedy loggers who encroach on their lands, and taking away their ecosystem. When they move out to seek jobs and education, they need to travel far into towns and they have little means to spend in urban settings. Lately I had two Orang Asli from remote Gerik coming to Ipoh seeking jobs, and they told my colleagues they paid RM100 for boat services from the remote area. In terms of education they lack language and technical skills.

There were times I interviewed a few Orang Asli to work at the hotel, and when they went back to their villages I could not reach them by phone to convey the message that they have been recruited. Communication is an uphill battle due to poor mobile coverage in their villages.

In this context it not merely about enrolment to TVET institutions but also providing the necessary communication infrastructure in remote areas, transportation subsidies and accommodation for the Orang Asli who intend to study and stay in urban areas. It is commendable that ILP Ipoh has provided hostels for the Orang Asli students.

Therefore, the effort of the Human Resources Ministry is laudable, but we need to have comprehensive human capital development for Orang Asli nationwide by providing enabling conditions for them to migrate from remote areas. – February 9, 2020.

* Ronald Benjamin is the Secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.