By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Nov 22 — The state government plans to move in tandem with the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) to ensure their rights and progress are enhanced, said state executive councillor for Orang Asli and minority affairs V. Papparaidu.
The initiative, starting next year, will focus on educational and career improvement programmes, as well as infrastructure development.
“We are planning collaborations, especially for the human capital development and welfare segment, covering programmes for educational and career enhancement, welfare, health, and the community.
“We also want to focus on socio-economic development, including infrastructure and village road facilities like the water supply, the electricity supply, and telecommunications facilities,” he said.
Papparaidu was responding to a query from Bukit Lanjan state assemblywoman Pua Pei Ling on the welfare of Orang Asli and minorities, during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session yesterday.
He added the state government always protects the land rights of the Orang Asli and ensures their customary lands are not encroached upon and are respected.
Any encroachment is protected under the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954, and all Orang Asli land is reserved under Section 6 or Section 7 of the Act.
“No one is allowed to enter Orang Asli land or villages without permission from Jakoa, so as to enable monitoring to be carried out,” Papparaidu said.
