TAPAH, April 24 - A total of 87 orang asli students who obtained excellent results in the 2024 SPM will receive full scholarships to continue their studies at the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Educational Institutions (IPMA).

This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He explained that orang asli students who obtained 5As and above are eligible to receive full sponsorship from the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to continue their studies.

Among the institutions involved are the University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), MARA Poly-Tech University College MARA, German-Malaysia Institute, as well as other institutions under MARA.

"This offer has nothing to do with the by-election in Ayer Kuning. It is not just for the people of Ayer Kuning, but for the children of the Orang Asli throughout the country.

"Since MARA is under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), it is reasonable to place them in institutions under MARA. For those students with 5As and below, I have also requested from the MARA Chairman to find a way to channel them to any MARA institution as well", he said.

He said this when speaking at the Orang Asli Community Empowerment Programme in Kampung Sungai Kroh, Ayer Kuning, Perak.

The government has also introduced a special Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programm for indigenous children in an effort to empower the community's future.

At the same time, amendments to the Orang Asli Act are being expedited to safeguard the overall welfare of the community.