Federal govt spends RM525,000 to provide solar energy for Orang Asli




GUA MUSANG, April 19 (Bernama) -- The federal government has spent RM525,000 to provide solar energy to 150 Orang Asli houses which are without electricity supply in Pos Gob here.

Gua Musang UMNO vice-chief Ab Aziz Yusof said each house received the 1Malaysia Solar Kit, worth about RM3,500 for the purpose and the facility would be extended to other Orang Asli houses which were still without electricity supply.

"About 1,000 Orang Asli families in the interior areas, such as Pos Belatim, Bihai, Tuel and Hendrop, are still without electricity supply. We will supply them with the 1Malaysia Solar Kit, to be carried out in stages, soon," he told reporters at the presentation of the kit to the Orang Asli in Pos Gob here today.

Meanwhile, Pos Gob Orang Asli Village Development and Security Committee i (JKKKOA) chairman Uda Along, 48, said it proved the government's seriousness to address the electricity supply problems at Orang Asli settlements.

"The kit has solved our electricity supply problem. It can be used at all times," he said.

A resident of Pos Gob, Raman Along, 23, said it showed that the federal government cared about the welfare of the Orang Asli and wanted them to enjoy the benefit of development like other people in the country.

"Not only do we get free solar kit, the government also provides us with comfortable home," he added.

-- BERNAMA