Latest news with #OrangAsli
Barnama
42 minutes ago
- Business
- Barnama
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.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Affordable goods make Rahmah Sale worth the trip for Orang Asli
SUNGAI SIPUT: The MADANI Rahmah Sale Programme (PJRM) held at the Orang Asli One-Stop Centre (OAOSC) here has brought meaningful relief to the surrounding Orang Asli community, offering essential goods at affordable prices. Despite the long journey, a rubber tapper from Legap Regroupment Scheme (RPS), Long Busu, 56, said he was willing to drive nearly an hour to the centre to obtain essential household items at reduced prices. Describing it as a highly beneficial government initiative for the low-income group, the father of six and grandfather of 10 said the programme organised by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) had significantly eased the burden of the Orang Asli, particularly those in remote areas. 'It is quite a long journey to get here, but because the essential items are sold at low prices, I still came to do my shopping. 'It's really worth it. I bought rice, chicken and cooking oil, which are cheaper here than at the supermarkets,' he told Bernama recently. Ali Busu, 53, from Kampung Bawong said the programme had brought relief to the Orang Asli community in Bawong and Legap RPS as they no longer had to make the long journey to Sungai Siput town to buy their daily necessities. He said the initiative not only saved time and travel costs but also offered quality goods at very reasonable prices. 'Even though the prices are lower, the goods are good and fresh. There's no difference between the chicken, meat or dry goods sold here and those at the big markets. 'I also save on grocery expenses and that extra money can be saved or used for other things,' said the rubber tapper who has four children. Meanwhile, Zalinah Zabidi, 28, expressed hope that the programme would not be limited to a single location but expanded to other areas in the Orang Asli settlements of Bawong and Legap RPS. 'Some other residents knew about the sale, but they didn't have transport, so they couldn't come. If possible, this sale should be brought from village to village so more people can benefit,' she said. Zalinah, a general worker at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bawong, said the PJRM was very helpful as it not only reduced household expenses but also fostered community bonding. 'When there's a sale like this, it's not just about buying things, but also a chance to meet villagers from other areas, gather, chat and share problems,' she said, adding that the programme should also include health screenings or other services such as aid registration.
The Star
12 hours ago
- General
- The Star
A milestone for Orang Asli folk
Community spirit: Native Discovery envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. Efforts to normalise and advocate allyship with the Orang Asli community have resulted in a robust support network. PETALING JAYA: Being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners has been a transformative milestone for Native Discovery, a project committed to fostering allyship with the Orang Asli community. Founded in the spirit of community collaboration, Native Discovery has expanded its reach and impact since its inception, igniting a movement towards indigenous allyship throughout Malaysia. Co-founder Daniel Teoh said the recognition has significantly enhanced the organisation's legitimacy in the local social impact space and among the Malaysian public. 'It also allows us to establish stronger connections with both local and international stakeholders. 'This credibility has been crucial in engaging international universities, non-governmental organisations and social enterprises to collaborate on building a sustainable future for the Orang Asli,' he said in an interview. Over the past two years, Teoh said Native Discovery has achieved significant milestones. He said efforts to normalise and advocate allyship with the Orang Asli community have resulted in a robust support network. 'We find that our efforts are bearing fruit now,' Teoh added while highlighting the importance of these collaborations in supporting indigenous communities. Looking forward, he said Native Discovery plans to continue building momentum for the movement. 'Our hope and goal remains to continue building momentum on indigenous allyship,' Teoh said. The organisation envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. He also shared his encouragement to other fellow Malaysian changemakers. 'A truly Malaysian Malaysia is extremely feasible and not out of reach. We can build it together,' he added. Native Discovery envisions a Malaysia where unity and collective responsibility include all communities, especially the Orang Asli. In 2022, Native Discovery was singled out by SGHA for its impactful community-led tourism initiatives, which empowered the Orang Asli. Teoh said the recognition not only validated their efforts but also opened doors for future collaborations and growth. 'Meeting and sharing experiences with other winners opened doors for potential collaborations,' he added. SGHA is returning for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
20% of forest plantation projects in operation
GUA MUSANG: Only about one-fifth of all forest plantation projects approved by the Department of Environment (DOE) since 2020 has begun operations, says the body's Kelantan director Wan Aminordin Wan Kamarudin. These projects have received approval for their Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), he said, adding that the remaining 80% have yet to begin operations. 'Any development activity carried out in Kelantan forest reserves exceeding 100ha must submit an EIA report,' he said, Bernama reported. An EIA involves studying the socio-economic impact of a project on the surrounding area and is a legal requirement before operations start, Wan Aminordin added. When it comes to forest plantations, the department is concerned about their impact on the Orang Asli community because they bear the direct brunt of these projects, he said. 'The EIA report is important to identify the affected areas, including the impact on water tables, the safety of residents, orchards and other community-related matters following development, whether it is forest plantations or mining,' he said. Wan Aminordin was speaking to reporters at the 4Xplore Explore Nature: Our Legacy on Earth with Environmental Friends programme in conjunction with the state-level World Environment Day 2025 celebration at Pos Pulat here. EIAs, he added, also involved getting comments and views from various agencies, including the Forestry Department, Land and Mines Office and the state Health Department. 'We set conditions that must be adhered to, including that developers must provide control measures such as sediment trap ponds and install infrastructure that can prevent erosion in the project area,' he said. Last year, the DOE issued a prohibition order on a mining company in Gua Musang and ordered it to cease operations immediately. On Dec 18 last year, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry issued a stop-work order to two companies suspected of polluting Sungai Kelaik, Pos Blau, based on DOE's investigation into the two companies' compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127). A news portal revealed how Sungai Kelaik's water had turned red after contamination from an upstream iron ore mine.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Apex court to hear Orang Asli's appeal over desecration of ancestral graves
Rosli Jedut and six other Orang Asli are seeking compensation from Agrobest (M) Sdn Bhd and two employees for the alleged destruction of ancestral graves at Kampung Batu 20, Pekan, eight years ago. PUTRAJAYA : The Federal Court has agreed to hear an appeal by seven Orang Asli villagers from Pekan against a private firm on the alleged destruction of their ancestral graves for agriculture development. Rosli Jedut, Atan Baro, Melah Hamid, Awang Bako, Esah Wir, Kasim Awang, and Majib Kasim filed a lawsuit against Agrobest (M) Sdn Bhd and two employees, seeking compensation after the graves in Kampung Batu 20 were allegedly overrun by bulldozers eight years ago. They claimed the company and employees had disrespected their ancestors and culture. The Kuantan High Court ruled in 2023 that the company was liable for the wrongful act and awarded each of the plaintiffs RM20,000 as damages. However, the appeals court set aside the decision last year, ruling that the seven men lacked the legal standing to file the suit. It said they no longer had possession and control of the land. Lawyers Steven Thiru and Ananthan Moorthi told FMT that a panel of three apex court judges, led by Justice Nordin Hassan, had on Thursday granted the seven men leave to appeal in their bid to reinstate the High Court ruling. Also on the bench hearing the application were Justices Abu Jais Bakar and Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera. 'The Federal Court held that important questions of law were raised concerning the rights of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, which required a full determination by the highest court,' they said. The questions of law touch on issues relating to locus standi, the extinguishment of rights, and duty of care. Lawyers Henry Ngok and Ng Si Hui appeared for the company and employees.
