GERIK, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- All 628 Orang Asli villages nationwide are targeted to have health clinics upgraded or established by 2035 to strengthen healthcare facilities for the community, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said although there were budgetary constraints, the initiative could be implemented through cooperation between the Health Ministry (MoH) and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).
“There are already clinics in some areas, but we hope that, in addressing healthcare needs, we must provide services to them because they are also Malaysian citizens who are entitled to the best healthcare services.
“Although the cost may be high due to accessibility issues, I am confident that the Health Ministry can work together with JAKOA, and I also believe the Finance Ministry will assist in terms of funding to implement this,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating the launch of the 2026-2035 National Social Determinants of Health Strategic Plan for Orang Asli (NSPSDHOA) at Kampung Air Banun here today.
Also present were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Noor.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Health Cabinet Committee, said the NSPSDHOA 2026-2035 also focused on approaches to ensure disease prevention among the Orang Asli community and continued access to treatment.
“The most important thing is how prevention should be carried out, not only in terms of nutrition, awareness and other aspects related to the daily lives of the Orang Asli community,” he said.
He also said specialist doctors should be made available at hospitals in districts where Orang Asli communities are located to ensure that chronic diseases affecting them could be treated comprehensively.
On amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), he hoped the Bill could be tabled at the next Parliament sitting before the end of this year.
“The Act was passed in 1954, which was a very long time ago, 70, 72 years. It is time for the Act to be amended. As it involves Their Royal Highnesses (State Rulers), the Cabinet paper that has been approved in principle needs to be presented to the Conference of Rulers for consideration.
“So, several key amendments involving land matters, as land comes under the jurisdiction of the state governments, are being improved. I hope that once the Cabinet approves the paper after taking into account the advice and views of the Conference of Rulers, it can be tabled,” he said.
-- BERNAMA