KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — The government aims to strengthen the education and socioeconomic development of Orang Asli in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) 2021-2025.
According to the five-year development plan document released by the Economic Planning Unit today, access to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for the Orang Asli community will be improved to prepare them in acquiring the basic skills of reading, writing and counting.
Enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes and tertiary education will be increased, and the Jom Belajar Programme will be further expanded within the community to improve students attendance through innovative teaching and suitable learning methods in reducing illiteracy.
“School leavers and graduates from local communities will be encouraged to assist in teaching Orang Asli students. As such, a special programme, Bringing School to Community, will be introduced through collaboration between government, universities and CSOs (Civil Society Organisation),” the document said.
Meanwhile, it said the government will also formulate a development plan encompassing education and training, increasing income, provision of basic infrastructure, land development, healthcare services and housing.
The government will also focus on income-generating activities to eradicate poverty among Orang Asli community including providing microfinancing facilities and skills training for Orang Asli to become entrepreneurs.
At the end of 2020, a total of 1,448 participants benefitted from the Orang Asli Entrepreneurship Development Programme, while 324 entrepreneurs received grants for various businesses.
The government will also expand the basic infrastructure, amenities and services including the construction of roads and provision of treated water, electricity and housing other than the access to telecommunications and healthcare services to be improved in the effort to enhance the well-being of the Orang Asli Community.
Sources: BERNAMA