KLUANG, 26 September- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the construction of Orang Asli homes to be tailored to their cultural heritage and specific community needs.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Prime Minister presented a working paper on the initiative after the Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“The Prime Minister has entrusted me with the paper, which I’ve since forwarded to the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) deputy director-general. 

“He (the Prime Minister) wants homes for the Orang Asli to be built in line with their cultural preferences and way of life,” Ahmad Zahid said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said this at the ‘Tautan Kasih’ event at the Tanah Runtuh Orang Asli village here today, also attended by Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang.

He said a briefing session would soon be conducted for all Orang Asli community leaders (Tok Batin) nationwide to ensure smooth implementation and coordination of the housing project.

In his speech, Ahmad Zahid also said that the Public Works Department (JKR) will be widening the access road to the village to enhance safety and for the convenience of the surrounding residents. -BERNAMA