Melaka To Build, Repair Orang Asli Homes Starting Next Year
MELAKA, June 28 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government will launch a new initiative next year to build and repair homes for the Orang Asli community through the Melaka Housing Board (LPM), ensuring they have safe and comfortable living conditions.
State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the initiative aims to ensure Orang Asli communities are not excluded from state government aid or development programmes.
'To date, we've 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 reporters here today after the launch of the Orang Asli Entrepreneurs Carnival (KUOA).
The event was officiated by Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah.
He said the state had received allocations from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to repair two homes and build one new unit, but the funds were insufficient to address the number of requests.
'We received many reports of dilapidated house. The State Executive Council has agreed to provide additional support,' he said.
Dr Muhamad Akmal added that the state has also introduced other assistance, including health insurance and death benefit schemes for community leaders, as well as school aid for Orang Asli students.
He added that the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is helping Orang Asli entrepreneurs promote and market their forest-based products, an effort expected to expand their market reach and boost sales.
In conjunction with World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 in September, Orang Asli crafts, food and forest products will also be showcased to both domestic and international visitors.
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Melaka to build, repair Orang Asli homes starting next year
MELAKA: The Melaka government will launch a new initiative next year to build and repair homes for the Orang Asli community through the Melaka Housing Board (LPM), ensuring they have safe and comfortable living conditions. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the initiative aims to ensure Orang Asli communities are not excluded from state government aid or development programmes. "To date, we've 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 reporters here today after the launch of the Orang Asli Entrepreneurs Carnival (KUOA). The event was officiated by Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah. He said the state had received allocations from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to repair two homes and build one new unit, but the funds were insufficient to address the number of requests. "We received many reports of dilapidated house. The State Executive Council has agreed to provide additional support," he said. Dr Muhamad Akmal added that the state has also introduced other assistance, including health insurance and death benefit schemes for community leaders, as well as school aid for Orang Asli students. He added that the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is helping Orang Asli entrepreneurs promote and market their forest-based products, an effort expected to expand their market reach and boost sales. In conjunction with World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 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," he said. Earlier, he said 62 Orang Asli entrepreneurs from across Peninsular Malaysia were participating in KUOA, held over three days at Dataran Pahlawan. The carnival also features agency exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional games demonstrations, an Orang Asli cultural village and performances by well-known local artists. – BERNAMA
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