Orang Asli advocacy group pushes for Pahang settlement census

Peka, a prominent advocacy group for indigenous communities, has urged authorities to conduct a thorough census of Orang Asli settlements in Pahang, suggesting that the state government's figure of 264 registered villages may significantly undercount the actual population.

The group's assertion highlights ongoing concerns about the completeness and reliability of data concerning indigenous communities in the state. Officials have relied on the registered village count as the basis for resource allocation and development planning, but Peka contends this figure does not capture the full extent of Orang Asli settlements across Pahang.

An accurate census would provide a clearer picture of the communities' distribution, population size, and infrastructure needs, potentially influencing how state and federal resources are directed toward development and welfare programmes. Such data is considered essential for formulating targeted policies and ensuring equitable service delivery to all indigenous settlements.

The call comes amid broader discussions about improving governance and representation for Orang Asli communities across Malaysia, where historical undercounting and administrative gaps have long hampered effective programme implementation. Peka's push for greater transparency reflects efforts by indigenous advocacy groups to secure better recognition and support from government authorities.