SHAH ALAM, Sept 25 — The state government is studying new approaches to strengthen the educational attainment of the Orang Asli community, including considering a special tuition programme for students from the community.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said the development of the Orang Asli community needed to be viewed holistically, not only in terms of income and employment, but also education and their confidence to be part of Selangor's society.
“Perhaps further down the line, we can introduce special tuition for Orang Asli students and so on, so that their level of education can be improved, strengthened, and empowered,” he said during the 2027 Selangor Budget engagement session at the Selangor International Trade and Exhibition Centre today.
Amirudin added that the state government has provided educational support through the Sagong Tasi Scholarship for Orang Asli students, including at secondary school and tertiary education levels.
“These efforts will continue to be strengthened to ensure that the Orang Asli community has access to educational opportunities that can enhance their capabilities and open the way to a better future,” he said.
The Menteri Besar noted that the development of the Orang Asli community should not be viewed solely through the lens of the community's uniqueness, but should also ensure they become part of Selangor’s progressive and developing society.
“Our challenge is how to ensure their successful integration as part of our society, with the same level of comfort, while at the same time ensuring that they themselves have the confidence to participate,” Amirudin said.
This was among the challenges that the state executive councillor line-up needed to address in 2027, including finding solutions and implementing programmes that would directly benefit the Orang Asli community.
“Therefore, our approach is not only to increase income and employment opportunities, but also to ensure that their education and participation in society are strengthened,” he said.
