By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, June 20 — Any development on Orang Asli land, whether for housing or commercial purposes, must be limited in ownership to the Orang Asli community.
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication V. Papparaidu said this is crucial to ensure that the benefits of development remain within the Orang Asli community and are not reaped by outsiders.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to upholding Orang Asli rights.
[caption id="attachment_391287" align="alignright" width="402"]
State executive councillor for human resources and poverty eradication V. Papparaidu speaks during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session in the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on February 25, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“The move is in line with the government’s commitment to continue defending the rights of the Orang Asli community and ensuring they are not left behind in the nation’s development.
“We must move forward with fair and inclusive policies, while remaining sensitive to the unique rights and privileges enshrined for the Orang Asli community in this country,” Papparaidu said during the 2025 Orang Asli Consultative Council Meeting today.
He represented Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari at the meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.
Also present was the Selangor and Federal Territories Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director Mohamad Anis Othman.
Papparaidu also stressed that Orang Asli land should not be used as collateral or guarantees for bank loans, as the risk of repossession by financial institutions in the event of default could threaten their ancestral ownership.
“This would directly undermine the traditional land rights of the Orang Asli community and open the door to the loss of inherited land passed down through generations.
“Land owned by the Orang Asli holds special status and carries deep heritage value and significance for the community. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to ensure it is fully protected to safeguard their rights and future,” he said.
