By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — The state government will provide additional assistance and initiatives for the Orang Asli in Selangor this year to protect them, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the administration has always prioritised the Orang Asli, including emphasising their education, welfare and infrastructural needs.
“The state government constantly pays attention to their wishes and needs. Every Selangor citizen is entitled to appropriate welfare.
“May the Orang Asal (indigenous) community in Selangor continue to be defended and uplifted accordingly. Furthermore we are appreciative of their contributions and services to the state,” he said in a Facebook post, in conjunction with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Last year saw RM400,000 spent on the Orang Asli community in Selangor, including for welfare assistance, education and family assistance.
Funding was also channeled to organise of gotong-royong programes, upgrading basic facilities, as well as small projects.
During the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, food baskets were distributed to family heads and special funds were provided to implement land surveying and gazetting.
At the present, Selangor has 29 Orang Asli settlements stretching across 1,672.67 hectares of gazetted land.
