600 Orang Asli youths pursue higher education, triple target set four years ago

More than 600 Orang Asli youths are currently enrolled in universities and colleges across the country, surpassing the initial goal of 200 when the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) was transferred to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry under Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In the first year, the target of 200 was met, with over 300 Orang Asli youths enrolling in universities.

Dr Zahid raised the target to 300 in the second year, which was achieved, with the number of Orang Asli students increasing to 400. This year, the achievement of more than 600 students signifies the Orang Asli community's potential for further progress if provided with opportunities and adequate educational support. Dr Zahid emphasized that education is a means to enhance social mobility across communities worldwide.

He also highlighted the expansion of educational efforts to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including the establishment of specialized institutions like the Paya Bungor Training Centre in Maran, Pahang, which currently accommodates 135 Orang Asli youths in various TVET programs. Dr Zahid commended the Johor government's commitment to allocating RM600,000 to 60 Orang Asli villages in the state, amounting to RM10,000 per village.