Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Selangor has begun formal gazetting procedures for over half of its 74 registered indigenous settlements, with officials targeting completion by year-end while addressing land zoning complications affecting some communities.
Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister has pledged to establish or upgrade health clinics across all 628 Orang Asli villages by 2035, fulfilling a key pillar of the new National Social Determinants of Health Strategic Plan for the indigenous community.
Indigenous villagers from Kampung Sungai Cot escalated their campaign for redress by visiting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's residence after formal talks with the Department of Orang Asli Development and the PM's Office failed to yield results.
Pahang's Sultan Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tengku Ampuan Tunku Azizah have acknowledged the Orang Asli community's crucial role in preserving the state's cultural heritage, urging greater investment in education, skills development and economic advancement.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reassured the Orang Asli community that government funding will persist regardless of election outcomes in Negeri Sembilan, countering claims that allocations depend on candidate victories.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed establishing a dedicated Orang Asli liaison position within the Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar's office to better serve indigenous communities, saying the initiative doesn't require manifesto commitments.
The president of a Sabah-based indigenous rights organisation has entered a not guilty plea to corruption charges involving a RM2 million cultural heritage facility. The case highlights governance concerns in community development projects.
Indigenous Orang Asli communities have expressed relief after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally assured them of government intervention in their longstanding land disputes, signalling a potential shift in how such grievances are addressed.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed to taking up the land rights matter affecting the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Cot in Maran, Pahang with the state authorities, following a phone discussion with village representatives.
Major technology firms are aggressively pursuing Native American tribal lands for massive data centre development, particularly in Oklahoma. While some tribal leaders see economic opportunity, others view the expansion as a repetition of historical exploitation and warn of severe environmental consequences.