By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo YB Zolkafly
IPOH: Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad launched the Perak Indigenous Community Welfare 2030 Programme and the Batin 2024 Symposium today.
Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun, the Chairman of the State Committee on Rural Development, Plantations, Agriculture, and Food Industry, stated that the state government believes this launch will significantly enhance the potential of the Indigenous community.
He explained that this initiative aligns with the mainstream and the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan.
“It is undeniable that the Indigenous people are inclined towards engaging in activities to utilise natural resources for generating income.
“Therefore, the state government proposes to establish a local collection centre.
“This programme aims to ensure that the sale of their produce provides reasonable returns and valuable income for the Indigenous community,” he said.
Zolkafly added that the Perak state government, through the Department of Indigenous Affairs (JAKOA), is also reviewing and evaluating the notification of settlement areas to streamline them.
“This is for the preparation of designated settlement and economic activity areas for the Indigenous people, planned according to the needs of the second generation, fulfilling social, economic, and development aspects,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the event, 21 outstanding Indigenous students in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination were also honoured.
“Congratulations and best wishes to all. Also congratulations to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bawong for achieving a 100% passing rate in the 2023 SPM.
“Well done and continue to provide the best education for Indigenous students,” he added.
