Cabinet approves 24 new Tok Batin posts, says Zahid

PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has approved 24 new Tok Batin posts to strengthen the leadership and administration of Orang Asli communities nationwide, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa), together with the Johor government, had gazetted several Orang Asli villages in the state, Utusan Malaysia reported.

The villages are Kampung Tanjung Tuan, Kampung Tanah Abang, Kampung Peta, and Kampung Labong in Endau.

“Several other villages are still in the process of being gazetted, but their approval is left to the state government,” he was quoted as saying at an engagement programme with the Endau Orang Asli community in Mersing, Johor.

Zahid said the government was also focusing on improving infrastructure for Orang Asli communities, including building four schools and providing community halls, roads, water supply, electricity and telecommunication facilities.

“This effort to empower the Orang Asli community will continue through various initiatives driven by the rural and regional development ministry in collaboration with the state government.”