Extra income for orang asli through agriculture

Saturday July 24, 2010
The Star


LABIS: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry wants to boost the income of the poor, especially the orang asli, through agricultural activities.

Its deputy minister Chua Tee Yong said that it would start with a pilot-project in four orang asli settlements here.

“We will study the most suitable form of agriculture for the Kampung Selai and Kampung Lenek settlements.

“Among the factors to be considered are the terrain as well as forest resources near the villages,” he told newsmen after launching a Dental Care and Health Awareness programme at Kampung Selai here yesterday.

Chua said the pilot project would be paid through his allocation as Labis MP and not by the ministry.

“We already plan to start swiftlet breeding in Kampung Selai.

“We will assist with the start-up and monitor the progress,” he said.

Chua added the ministry would look into implementing the initiatives nationwide if the pilot-project is a success.

Meanwhile, Chua said it was important for the orang asli to realise the importance of having healthy habits.

“This programme shows that the orang asli people are not forgotten by the government,” he said.