Safer, more comfortable homes for Orang Asli in Melaka next year

The Star

21 hours ago

(Front row, from second left) Dr Muhamad Akmal and Abdul Kahar at the carnival held at Dataran Pahlawan.
Melaka government will launch a new initiative next year to build and repair homes for Orang Asli communities.
State rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the initiative through Melaka Housing Board was to ensure Orang Asli communities were not excluded from state government aid or development programmes.
'To date, we have received 70 requests for home repairs or new houses from Orang Asli residents.
'Work will begin in phases next year, based on need and priority,' he told Bernama at the Orang Asli Entrepreneurs Carnival (Kuoa) at Dataran Pahlawan in the city centre.
The event was launched by Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah.
Dr Muhamad Akmal said the state had received allocations from Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) to repair two homes and build one new unit, but funds were insufficient to address all requests.
'We received many reports of dilapidated houses,' he said, adding that the state executive council had agreed to provide additional support.
The state has also introduced other assistance, including health insurance and death benefit schemes, and aid for students.
Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) was also helping Orang Asli entrepreneurs promote and market their forest-based products, he said.
In conjunction with World Tourism Day and the World Tourism Conference 2025 in September, Orang Asli crafts, food and forest products will also be showcased to both domestic and international visitors.
'So far, around 20 Orang Asli entrepreneurs in Melaka show strong potential, especially with forest-based products that have added value,' Dr Muhamad Akmal said.