BUKIT BAJA ORANG ASLI VILLAGE SET TO BECOME SUSTAINABLE, MODERN SETTLEMENT - S'GOR EXCO

CYBERJAYA, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- The Selangor state government, via the State Development Corporation (PKNS), is moving to transform the Orang Asli community in Kampung Bukit Baja, Dengkil, from a traditional village into a sustainable modern settlement, said Housing and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Borhan Aman Shah.

He said the effort includes gazetting 180 acres (72.8 hectares) of land for the Orang Asli village, building 1,000-square-foot single-story homes, and developing public facilities, including a community hall, a kindergarten, and basic infrastructure.

“Our approach isn’t just about physical development; it’s about securing the future of the Orang Asli community.

“This land has been gazetted and is protected from interference from any party,” he told reporters after attending a cheque handover event for 56 Bukit Baja Orang Asli household heads today.

Borhan said the state government gave each of the 56 families an initial RM10,000 compensation to move into the new homes once completed, before PKNS took over their land to build a golf course.

“The houses are designed to reflect the Orang Asli’s identity and lifestyle, with open layouts and no fences to maintain their traditional way of life in a modern setting,” he said.

He said the state government plans to make the new settlement a modern Orang Asli village in the Sepang district, with business premises to create economic opportunities for the community.

Meanwhile, PKNS deputy group chief executive officer (Strategic Partnerships) Md Kamarzan Md Rais said that over two decades of negotiations finally bore fruit, with an agreement reached with the Tok Batin (village chief), Jalil Long and the Bukit Baja Orang Asli villagers.

He said PKNS will build a modern community with a Tok Batin office, clinic, playground and other infrastructure, while offering jobs at the upcoming golf club.

“We also plan to promote Orang Asli handicrafts and set up three shop lots as sales centres to help boost their income,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jalil, 53, said the development gives the younger generation opportunities to improve their living standards and adapt to modern life.

“I want the younger generation of the Bukit Baja Orang Asli to embrace modern thinking while preserving our identity and culture,” he said.

The development area is divided into two main zones: 6.27 acres for 56 homes of about 1,000 square feet each and 2.6 acres for facilities that support the community’s social and economic needs.

On Oct 5, 2025, PKNS held an engagement session with the villagers to hand over relocation offer letters, ensuring a transparent and orderly transition.

The PKNS offer includes a single-storey home per family, RM7,000 for relocation and demolition of existing homes, RM10,000 in goodwill, RM20,000 per acre of crops, and RM3 million for the Bukit Baja Orang Asli community fund.

The initiative ensures the community’s relocation is orderly, in collaboration with the Selangor state government and relevant agencies, and supports inclusive development that respects the original communities in new projects such as Cyber Valley.

-- BERNAMA