HULU SELANGOR, Aug 10 — The Selangor government is stepping up efforts to resolve the gazettement of Orang Asli land while expanding support for village administration, livelihoods and education to safeguard the rights and interests of the state's indigenous communities.
State executive councillor for Orang Asli affairs Papparaidu Veraman said resolving land gazettement remained among the state government's priorities as several Orang Asli villages (KOA) had yet to be officially recognised or gazetted.
"Recently, I held a meeting with the Hulu Selangor district officer, and we discussed how there are still many Orang Asli villages that have yet to be gazetted.
"I will continue these efforts. I remain committed to helping ensure that land which rightfully belongs to Orang Asli villages is properly gazetted," he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Selangor Orang Asli Cultural Festival 2026 at Taman Tasik Milenium, Kuala Kubu Bharu, here yesterday.
Papparaidu said the gazettement process was not straightforward as it involved various considerations, including the history of settlements, relocation of residents and the status of land reserves.
However, he said the state government would continue working with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), district and land offices, and other relevant agencies to resolve the issue.
According to information on the Selangor State Legislative Assembly portal as of February 21, 2025, 33 of the state's 74 Orang Asli villages had been gazetted, including Sakai Reserve, while the remaining 41 were still being processed by JAKOA.
Papparaidu said the state government also took the interests of the Orang Asli community into account when implementing development projects.
"The state government has built 24 houses for the Orang Asli community in Gombak as proof of its commitment to ensuring the community continues to enjoy better facilities and housing.
"We will not neglect the Orang Asli community. They are part of the state's development, and their rights must continue to be protected," he said.
Papparaidu said the state would continue strengthening cooperation with all parties to ensure development was carried out inclusively without compromising the interests of Orang Asli communities.
As part of efforts to strengthen village administration, he said 62 ‘batin’, or chairmen of Orang Asli Village Development and Security Committees (JPKKOA), were targeted to receive laptops.
The initiative, he said, would enable Orang Asli community leaders to manage village information more systematically and effectively, identify local needs and coordinate development programmes.
"In the near future, I also intend to provide laptops to all batin and JPKKOA chairmen to facilitate administration, identify village needs and coordinate programmes required by the community," he said.
Papparaidu said the use of technology in village administration was important to ensure information could be communicated and government programmes implemented more efficiently.
The state is also working towards building a jetty for Orang Asli fishermen on Pulau Carey in Kuala Langat to improve economic facilities for the coastal community.
Papparaidu said the proposal was being discussed with the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), which had agreed in principle to the project.
"I have met PKNS representatives and, in principle, they have agreed. We will hold further discussions so that the construction of this jetty can help Orang Asli fishermen on Pulau Carey," he said.
He also encouraged Orang Asli communities to take advantage of the state government's economic development programmes, including business equipment assistance, entrepreneurship training and skills enhancement courses.
"The state government has always prioritised the advancement of the Orang Asli. We do not interfere with their way of life, but instead help improve their economic well-being," he said.
Papparaidu said education was another priority for the state government to ensure younger members of the Orang Asli community had equal opportunities to build a better future.
"Tok Batin and parents must make sure their children go to school. At the very least, they should complete SPM. Education is very important because it is the key to our children's future.
"I want parents to ensure their children attend school and receive a good education," he said.
