Maori community can be a model for Orang Asli tourism, socio-economic development, says Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who visited the traditional Maori village in Rotorua, said that he saw strong potential in the approach, and believed that its concepts could be adapted for implementation in Malaysia.
"Insya-Allah, there will be an area in Melaka designated as an international-class tourism centre for the Orang Asli community," he said at a press conference after attending a round table session with Maori business leaders, here, Tuesday (July 15).
Ahmad Zahid is currently on a five-day working visit to New Zealand. On the second day of his visit, he travelled to Rotorua - a cultural and geothermal tourism hub, located about three hours from Auckland.
Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that he had received approval from the relevant Melaka state executive councillor responsible for Orang Asli affairs, to move forward with the initiative.
He said that the government's inclusive approach toward minority communities, including the Orang Asli, reflects the Madani government's commitment to ensuring that no group is left behind in the nation's development.
He added that the New Zealand government continues to prioritise the welfare of its indigenous communities, even though about 70% of the population now has Maori heritage, through intermarriage and other factors.
"Although Jakoa (Department for Orang Asli Development) manages the Orang Asli as a minority group, the Madani government continues to give them due attention and priority,' he said.
He added that his appointment as the coordinator for minority communities, including the Orang Asli, allows him to ensure that no group is marginalised.
"I will ensure that this community is not left behind, and will continue to be supported in a structured and sustainable manner,' he said.
During the working visit, Ahmad Zahid and his delegation also toured the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village and Onuku Farm - a sheep and dairy operation - to observe best practices in agriculture and livestock, which could be adapted for Malaysia's rural development sector. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Barnama
DPM Zahid To Visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre Today
GENERAL WELLINGTON, July 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre today to observe the country's disaster and crisis response framework. Located in the Beehive Bunker beneath New Zealand's Parliament, the visit forms part of the fourth day of his official working trip to the country, in line with his responsibilities as Chairman of Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP). The visit aims to gain insights into New Zealand's emergency response systems, inter-agency coordination, and post-disaster recovery strategies – areas for which the country is widely recognised for its preparedness and transparency. Ahmad Zahid is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, to explore potential cooperation in food security and strategic supply chains. Later in the day, he will attend a community engagement session with Malaysians in Wellington, where over 250 citizens residing in the country are expected to participate. The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to conclude his working visit and return to Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 18). Since arriving in Auckland on July 14, he has met with local industry leaders and business groups, including the ASEAN–New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC). On the second day, he travelled to Rotorua for the Māori Business Roundtable, aimed at strengthening collaboration in indigenous and social development initiatives. On the third day, he was in the capital for meetings with senior New Zealand government officials at the Beehive, as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance Malaysia–New Zealand bilateral relations.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia and New Zealand boost education ties in green tech and energy
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is enhancing its academic collaboration with New Zealand through new agreements between local universities and leading institutions in the country. The focus areas include green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) have signed agreements with the University of Canterbury and six other top New Zealand universities. These partnerships will involve twinning programmes, credit transfers, and joint research initiatives. 'This includes the implementation of twinning programmes, credit transfers and joint research initiatives that will provide added value to both Malaysian students and lecturers,' Ahmad Zahid said. He added that student sponsorships by agencies such as MARA, the Public Service Department (PSD), and Petronas will be expanded to cover specialised fields not currently available in Malaysia, particularly in sustainable energy. The UniKL–University of Canterbury agreement focuses on chemical and process engineering, halal food technology, and sustainable development. The partnership includes staff and student exchanges, joint research, and articulation pathways like 2+2 and 2.5+3 programme models. Meanwhile, UPTM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) to strengthen academic mobility, curriculum exchange, and innovative teaching methods. UPTM also held discussions with five other New Zealand universities to explore funding opportunities for international education. - Bernama
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia, New Zealand agree to deepen cooperation in halal industry
WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand have agreed to deepen cooperation in the global halal industry through several strategic measures, including the alignment of certification standards, joint research efforts, and the enhancement of halal assurance frameworks. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently on a working visit to the island country, said the collaboration is vital to uphold the integrity and international marketability of halal products, amid rising global demand from Muslim consumers. 'This forum is especially significant as it allows both nations to explore new opportunities to strengthen the halal ecosystem through inclusive and complementary approaches,' he said at the Halal Forum and High Tea with New Zealand Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard, here today. The event, held at the National Library of New Zealand, was attended by senior representatives from industry and government agencies of both countries. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia's Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), said Malaysia's participation in Fieldays 2025, which is the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural exhibition, reflects its commitment to expanding international engagement in agriculture and the halal sector. -- MORE AHMAD ZAHID-COOPERATION 2 WELLINGTON In his speech, Ahmad Zahid also expressed appreciation to New Zealand's two recognised halal certification bodies, namely the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the New Zealand Islamic Development Trust (NZIDT), for their continued efforts to ensure compliance with halal standards aligned with Malaysian requirements. 'This collaboration is more than technical alignment. It symbolises mutual respect for religious and cultural values in the global trade ecosystem,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia also welcomes the participation of New Zealand companies and agencies in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade in the halal sector. Meanwhile, Hoggard said Malaysia remains an important market for New Zealand's halal meat exports, which exceeded NZ$60 million last year. 'Malaysia is facilitating the approval process for several halal meat premises in New Zealand seeking first-time market access. This is a key step towards expanding our halal exports,' he said. -- MORE AHMAD ZAHID-COOPERATION 3 (LAST) WELLINGTON With a population of over 35 million, Hoggard said the Malaysian market offers strong growth potential. He said that the revised halal export requirements provide greater clarity for New Zealand producers in areas such as registration, processing, documentation, packaging, and storage. 'New Zealand is fully committed to its strong partnership with Malaysia and to delivering top-quality halal products to this key market,' he added. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, which ends on Friday.
