CHAPTER 1 - REPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION WORKING GROUP (vii) Alternative curriculum for Orang Asli children The Government Response to the Commission’s Annual Report 2010 stated that the MoE has developed an Integrated Curriculum for Orang Asli and Penan primary students (Kurikulum Asli Penan, KAP). The MoE, through the Alternative Development Assessment Sector in the Examination Board, will plan assessments. The Commission had received a similar reply when it raised the issue with the MoE in 2010 via a letter. However, during a visit and discussion with school managements and MoE officers, the Commission was informed that the Ministry had stopped implementing the KAP midway and that schools had been directed to use the LINUS programme instead. The students will sit for the UPSR examination in 2012 instead of the alternative assessment as planned. The Commission is very concerned as this development will affect indigenous children, especially those with learning problems. (viii) Children not in school Due to all the factors described, a number of Orang Asli children do not attend primary school despite the compulsory education policy under the Education Act 1996. In 2010, there was an increase of 784 children aged 7-12 years who did not attend school, compared to 2007 (Table 1). During the Commission’s visit to Orang Asli settlements in Kg Pos Gop in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and Kg Selaoh and Kg Sungai Kejar in Grik, Perak, it was Some of these issues were discussed at the forum on ‘Indigenous noted that there was Education’ organised by the Commission on 9 November. (Please no school in these see Report of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Committee, page settlements. During the Commission’s visit to Orang Asli settlements in Kg Pos Gop in Gua Musang, Kelantan, and Kg Selaoh and Kg Sungai Kejar in Grik, Perak, it was noted that there was no school in these settlements. The Government Response to the Commission’s Annual Report 2010 stated that the JAKOA and MoE had taken the initiative to provide a cabin and non-formal education for children at Kg Sungai Kejar. However, the Commission was informed that the move has yet to be implemented. 106). Table 1: Number of Indigenous Children Not in School, 2010 YEAR NUMBER OF CHILDREN 5-6 Years 7-12 Years 13-18 Years 2010 Not available 2,746 Not available 2007 2,553 1,962 2,514 Source: Department of Orang Asli Affairs, 2010 28 Total 7,029