On the 25th of January 2024, Thaipusam day was marked by a unique mission to the hills of Lower Belum forest instead of the customary Batucave hill. This time, the focus was on the Jahai (orang asli) village, organized by 4x4 Relief Malaysia.
The mission encompassed several crucial objectives:
Build a Rumah Baca (Reading House/Preschool):
a. Canteen
b. 2 toilets
c. Clean water system
d. Storage
e. Furniture
f. Balai Raya, intended for use as a clinic during government or NGO doctor visitations.
Implement a Self-Sustainable Project:
a. Introduction of quail bird breeding for egg harvesting.
Distribute Provisions:
a. Including food and clothing to several villages in the surrounding areas.
Despite challenging conditions, ranging from relentless rain to scorching sun and pervasive mud, the team displayed extraordinary resilience, successfully completing the mission.
Remarkably, this was their second visit to the village.
Their initial mission, from August 31st to September 3rd, involved:
a. Establishing a Water System for the Village
b. Building 2 Bathrooms with Complete Plumbing and Sewerage Systems
c. Installing 3KW of Solar Power to Illuminate the Entire Village
d. Reinforcing the Bridge, the Sole Access Point to the Village
e. Providing Provisions
f. Conducting Medical Checkups
I am privileged to have been part of this mission and look forward to participating in their future endeavors.
For me, this mission transcended mere assistance; it was an opportunity to comprehend the challenges and needs of the Orang Asli in Malaysia. Typically, information is gleaned from the media, but this time, I had the chance for personal, face-to-face, and heart-to-heart conversations with the community. Understanding their needs and offering support can profoundly impact the livelihoods of future generations of Orang Asli in Malaysia.
During one poignant conversation, a member of the community expressed, "Semua orang cakap orang asli in malas, tapi kami bukan malas, kami perlukan pertolongan dan cara untuk hidup. Cara hidup kami bukan lagi macam datuk nenek kami, sekarang sudah berubah," which translates to "Everyone says the Orang Asli are lazy, but we are not lazy. We need help and guidance in living. Our way of life is no longer like our ancestors; it has changed now."
This mission would not have been successful without the wholehearted contributions of both corporations and individuals who have steadfastly supported 4x4 Relief Malaysia over the years.
#4x4relief
