A new strategic plan aims to give the Orang Asli community healthcare access on par with other Malaysians, involving 17 government agencies.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is finalising a 10-year strategic plan to ensure the Orang Asli community has healthcare access equal to the general population.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the Orang Asli Social Determinants of Health Strategic Plan 2025–2035 uses a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach.
The plan involves 17 ministries and agencies, including the Department of Orang Asli Development.
“This is to ensure health interventions are aligned with the national social and economic development direction for the Orang Asli community,“ she told the Dewan Negara.
She said the plan will serve as a dedicated health action plan supporting the 13th Malaysia Plan’s commitment to healthcare equity.
Separately, Hanifah revealed 5.7% of food samples analysed from January to September this year failed to comply with regulations.
Out of 3,220 samples, 183 were non-compliant, involving meat, fish, vegetables and fruits from public markets and retail outlets.
Inspections analysed food for pathogenic bacteria, heavy metals, veterinary drug residues and pesticides.
For non-compliant imported products, enforcement includes nationwide recalls, disposal, re-export and prosecution.
Domestic products found in breach face recalls, disposal, investigations and legal action.
