A billion for Orang Asli, claims government

The government has spent almost RM1 billion since 2006 to develop and ensure the Orang Asli community can compete with the nation’s other races.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the allocation covered the Seventh to Ninth Malaysia plans, as well as the first and second economic stimulus packages.

“Almost half a billion ringgit was provided for the Orang Asli during the five year period from 2006 to 2010), with the aim of making them more competitive and help change their nomadic lifestyle to a more permanent one.

“We are slowly seeing progress among the Orang Asli community, in addition to eradication of poverty,” he said during his opening speech at the launch of a multi-source rural water supply system in the Kampung Songkok Orang Asli Settlement here today.

The text of his speech was read out by his deputy, Datuk Hasan Malek.



comments


That billion cannot pay for the timber they have stolen. The Penan girls maruah is worth more than that.