Yusoh (left), who is from the Mah Meri tribe, with Abd Hamid after being appointed MPSepang councillor.
Mah Meri tribesman aims to help indigenous people access govt assistance
SELANGOR’S first Orang Asli councillor was sworn in at Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) yesterday.
Businessman Yusoh Alip, 57, from the Mah Meri tribe, stood proud while taking his oath.
He wore a traditional headgear typically woven from nipah leaves that is worn by the Orang Asli to indicate their tribal identity.
Yusoh said his involvement in politics was to help the community.
“The Orang Asli are very poor. The community is lacking in several areas, with infrastructure in their villages in dire straits.
“The government has many initiatives to help the Orang Asli, but because many are not educated or well-versed in getting access to the aid, they are losing out.
“Political links can help to better channel the assistance and I am taking this responsibility as a challenge,” he said.
Although he had been with PKR for 15 years and held the position of Sepang PKR committee member for the last five years, Yusoh said his appointment was a surprise.
“I am grateful for the opportunity.
“I never expected to hold such an important position in the council.
“I have been a representative for Orang Asli communities but now that I have been given the Arked zone, I will also be representing other communities,” he said.
Yusoh grew up in Bukit Bangkong, Sungai Pelek in Sepang.
He moved to Kampung Orang Asli Kolam Air Bangkong, Dengkil, in the late 1980s to live in the Temuan community after getting married.
Yusoh is one of two PKR members to fill the vacant councillor positions at MPSepang for 2024-2025.
The other is Mohd Shah Rezza Mohd Tuniman, who has returned as councillor for the second time after skipping the previous term.
Separately, MPSepang president Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said he was looking forward to working with Health Ministry to get restaurateurs to stop serving shisha (water-pipe used to smoke flavoured tobacco).
He was commenting on news reports quoting ministry deputy director-general of health (public health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli that there were many repeat offenders in the municipality.
She said the ministry was only able to issue a RM250 compound against offending operators or patrons, as other enforcement actions such as confiscating the items were under local council jurisdiction.
