General : Over 600 Orang Asli Students Pursue Higher Education At Universities, Colleges - Ahmad Zahid

ISkandar Puteri, September 6 — Over 600 Orang Asli children are currently enrolled in universities and colleges across the nation, marking a substantial rise in their participation in higher education, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This significant development underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the social mobility of the Orang Asli community through education.

The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that when the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) was transferred under his ministry four years ago, the initial objective was to have 200 Orang Asli children admitted to higher education institutions. In the first year, not only did 200 students enter university, but the number surpassed 300.

The following year, the target was increased to 300, and the result was 400 Orang Asli students gaining admission to universities. Speaking at the national-level Orang Asli Sports Carnival (KSOA) at EduCity Sports Complex, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the achievement of more than 600 students in this year's endeavor demonstrated the Orang Asli community's capability for growth when provided with adequate educational opportunities and support.

He highlighted education as a crucial factor in improving the socioeconomic status of any community worldwide. The Deputy Prime Minister also praised the Johor government for allocating RM600,000 to 60 Orang Asli villages in the state, equivalent to RM10,000 per village. Furthermore, he expressed hope for an increase in this allocation in the upcoming Johor Budget.

Ahmad Zahid also acknowledged Sultan Ibrahim's appointment of former Skudai assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim as the special officer for Orang Asli affairs under the Sultan Ibrahim Foundation, noting that the decision reflected the Sultan's concern for the welfare and development of the Orang Asli community in Johor.