Fifi Nurfatin Marjaidi Hirwan, who received a Perak Maal Hijrah special award today, said she had discovered at a motivational programme with Orang Asli children in several primary schools that they had difficulties in attending school.

“I hope to secure funding for vans or buses for these Orang Asli children to overcome their transport problems,” she told reporters after receiving the award for achieving 9As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.

Fifi Nurfatin said she had not expected to receive the award as many other students in Perak had achieved excellent SPM results.

“I see this award as a recognition of the Orang Asli community,” she said. “As the only Orang Asli student in Perak to achieve 9As, I hope that my results can inspire other Orang Asli children,” said Fifi Nurfatin, who intends to become a teacher.

She previously received a national award in 2018 for outstanding achievement in obtaining 5As and 1B in the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah.