Pix by Mohamad Delima Atan
KUANTAN: The Orang Asli Corporation (Oraco) has been established as a one-stop centre to plan, manage, and oversee economic activities and the welfare of the Orang Asli community across Pahang.
Pahang Islamic Religious Affairs, Rural Development, and Orang Asli Affairs chairman Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said that the initiative was first proposed by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail during his previous term.
He said that the state government recognised the Orang Asli community's challenges in areas like education, economy, and welfare.
Given that the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) was overwhelmed, Oraco was created to complement Jakoa's efforts.
"To date, we've provided 100 Rumah Rakyat Pahang (RRP) units for the Orang Asli, and next year, 120 more will be built for free. Additionally, Orang Asli students who enter higher education will receive a free laptop," Syed Ibrahim said during the state assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang today.
He also addressed concerns raised by Tras assemblyman Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji, who had called for more engagement with the Orang Asli community to clarify Oraco's role and its benefits.
"I believe some in the community may be misled about the state government's noble efforts through Oraco, and we are committed to addressing these concerns," Syed Ibrahim said, adding that several meetings at the state level had already been held, with more district-level sessions planned to further engage the community.
Oraco had recently come under scrutiny after rumours circulated that it was set to take over commercial replanting projects (TSK) previously managed by Risda.
However, Syed Ibrahim clarified when he told FMT Oraco was established to enhance the management and development of the Orang Asli community, not to seize their plantations.