Engagement sessions, studies being conducted to empower Orang Asli, says dept

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 27 Aug 2023 5:17PM · 1 Comments

The Department of Orang Asli Development says the empowerment of Orang Asli Act 1954 (Act 134) covers numerous matters affecting the community, including land ownership as well as registration of marriages and births. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, August 27, 2023.

THE Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) Director-General, Sapiah Mohd Nor said the department was actively conducting studies and engagement sessions to empower the Orang Asli Act 1954 (Act 134).  

She said the empowerment of Act 134 covers numerous matters affecting the Orang Asli community, including land ownership as well as registration of marriages and births. 

“I hope, in five to 10 years, the Orang Asli community will own land on par with mainstream society (through the empowerment of Act 134). 

“It will provide the Orang Asli with a brighter future,” she said after the Malacca state Emblems, Titles, and Awards ceremony in conjunction with the 74th birthday of Yang Dipertua Negeri, Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh in Malacca today. 

She was conferred the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka award, which carries the title “Datuk”.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the amendment of the Act was important as there are several constraints involving the rights of the Orang Asli community currently. – Bernama, August 27, 2023.

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Comments

  • The Orang Asli already own land. Its bureaucracy that has to catch up. Empowering them is good but serving them with the same diligence as other communities in society is what they should be getting. This colonialist/patriarchal view of the original people of Malaysia is unworthy of a modern democracy.

    Posted 2 years ago by Malaysia New hope · Reply