The Orang Asli community must brace themselves for change to improve their living standards, in line with the state government’s plan to develop rural areas.
“Education, along with proper access to information, is the best way for a community to develop,” said Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“The community has to give their children a chance. They must encourage the upcoming generation to study and be successful, as this will help their community and their village.
“It’s important for us to hold on to traditions and culture, but that does not mean we should turn a blind eye to education. The community must be serious when it comes to children’s education,” he told reporters at a press conference recently.
Ahmad Faizal was at Kampong Legap, Sungai Siput to officiate the Samsung Smart Community Centre, a joint effort by the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and Petronas University of Technology (UTP).
Its purpose is to create a conducive study environment for Orang Asli children, especially after schooling hours. Samsung provided the centre with tablets, while UKM provided educational applications and software for usage.
Ahmad Faizal added that the advancement of information technology has made the process of learning more interactive and exciting.“The use of technology is very important. It helps to ensure that the younger generation of the Orang Asli community has access to proper education thus reducing the number of dropouts,” he said.
Ahmad Faizal said the decision by Samsung, JAKOA, UKM and UTP to build the community centre was a step in the right direction.
“This will expose the children to interactive-learning techniques, as well as develop in them, a love for education,” he added.
Luqman Hakim
