DPM Zahid: Over 600 Orang Asli students now pursuing higher education, reflecting rising social mobility

DPM Zahid Hamidi announced that over 600 Orang Asli children are currently studying at universities and colleges across the country. This notable increase in higher education participation underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the social mobility of the Orang Asli community. Initially, the government aimed to enroll 200 Orang Asli students in higher education institutions.

However, they surpassed this target by having more than 300 Orang Asli students enter universities in the first year. The target was further increased to 300 in the second year, with 400 Orang Asli students succeeding in entering universities. This achievement demonstrates the Orang Asli community's potential for progress when provided with the right educational opportunities and support.

The expansion of educational opportunities among the Orang Asli community includes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, with the Paya Bungor Training Centre in Maran, Pahang, hosting 135 Orang Asli students currently enrolled in various TVET courses. Additionally, DPM Zahid acknowledged the Johor government's allocation of RM600,000 to 60 Orang Asli villages in the state, with an average of RM10,000 per village.

He also expressed gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim for appointing Marina Ibrahim, a former Skudai assemblywoman, as the special officer in charge of Orang Asli affairs under the Sultan Ibrahim Foundation.