Papparaidu says Orang Asli villages on Pulau Carey will not be affected by island’s development plans.
SELANGOR human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V. Papparaidu says no Orang Asli village will be affected or encroached upon in the development of Pulau Carey and Port Carey.
“The state government has decided to preserve the five villages close to the development, as Orang Asli traditional villages.
“The welfare of the Orang Asli will be safeguarded, including the livelihood of fishermen who live along the coast,” he said.
He was replying to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Sijang-kang) on the state’s initiative to empower the Mah Meri community in line with ongoing developments on the island.
Papparaidu said the Orang Asli were given the same opportunities as other locals in the development of Port Carey.
“Among the activities is tourism where the unique Orang Asli culture, which includes their handicraft and folklore, is promoted,” he said at the Selangor State Assembly in Shah Alam.
He added that Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) also ensured that the community continued to progress through human capital development, including ensuring they continued their schooling up to secondary level as well as participate in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
“Orang Asli make up 80% of fishermen on the island and the Fisheries Department will look at ways to empower them,” said Papparaidu.
He noted that the land also provides wood for the Orang Asli to use in their handicraft.
On another question from Dr Ahmad Yunus on the status of Sungai Kurau Orang Asli village, Papparaidu said it was on Orang Asli reserve land of 64.57ha, with a population of 254.
“Sungai Kurau Orang Asli village is not affected in the development planned for Pulau Carey,” he added.
