The Malaysian government disbursed RM15.4 million in welfare aid to 2,905 Orang Asli last year, with initiatives to support women, entrepreneurs, and children’s education

KUALA LUMPUR: The government channelled RM15.4 million in temporary welfare assistance to 2,905 members of the Orang Asli community last year.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the aid was distributed by the Social Welfare Department through the Department of Orang Asli Development.

She detailed that the assistance covered various schemes including general, child, senior citizen, and disability aid.

The minister was responding to a question from Senator Manolan Mohamad in the Dewan Negara regarding measures to safeguard Orang Asli women and children.

Nancy highlighted specific initiatives for women affected by divorce and single mothers.

“The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, through the Department for Women Development, also implements the Legal Literacy and Women’s Rights and the KasihnITa initiatives to help women understand their rights and become self-reliant,” she said.

For entrepreneurs, the ministry has introduced the Orang Asli Entrepreneur Support programme.

This programme offers capacity-building assistance of up to RM15,000, including skills training and business start-up kits.

To address education dropouts, the government provides the Education Incentive Assistance Scheme.

“This scheme covers school uniforms, hostel necessities, transportation, as well as pocket-money incentives,” Nancy explained.

She added that kindergarten facilities have been built and upgraded in interior areas, benefiting 4,596 pupils.

Her ministry also provides protection services and social intervention for women and children.

These services include case management, counselling and referrals to relevant agencies.

 The Sun Malaysia