ABSTRACT
Malaysia covers an area of about 330,803 square kilometres with an estimated population of 29.7 million, the most multi-ethnic and multi-religious country in South East Asia. Among the Malaysian populations, 67% are Bumiputeras (Malays and indigenous people), 26% Chinese, 8% Indians, and 1% other ethnic groups. In the country's effort to become a progressive and high-income nation, various high-impact strategies were adopted. Nonetheless, for a country that has indigenous communities which are considered to live below the poverty line, the needs of these special target groups are also addressed through integrated programmes of the Tenth Malaysia Plan, 2011-2015. The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is responsible for the integrated programme that involves land development and ownership, medical programmes, and education and economic modernisation of the indigenous people towards the betterment of their economy in their rural livelihood. It helps to strengthen their capabilities and literacy and to reduce the incidence of poverty among them. Challenges and issues in implementing an integrated programme and its sustainability in improving the economy of indigenous communities are elaborated in this chapter.
