Resting deep inside the depth of the woods, there exists a community, very rare to come out of the cocoon. What’s that? The Aborigine. In Peninsular Malaysia alone, the community of Orang Asli can be subclustered into three categories namely Semang, Senoi, and Proto-Malay. If we explore the case further, the life of orang Asli is mostly unique. Farah Amirah Sarifuddin, one of the staff at Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) enjoys the nature of works with Orang Asli in her possession when she was in-charge to be placed at Kampung Orang Asli Buluh Nipis, Pahang.

 

Just like the other wide-ranging communities in Malaysia, these Aborigine families also have their own structures of family and public society. They are also entitled to get the access to education, just like the children who attend schools every day. Also, if there is a headman in a village, Orang Asli communities too, have their own leader that should be acknowledged. Apart from that, they work on a daily basis, hold to one faith, involve in societies, and also play sports. What isolates them from us is that, they live far away inside the place we rarely know, far-flung from the public.

 

Kampung Buluh Nipis is located in Muadzam Shah, Pahang, about 26 Kilometers away from the city centre. According to Farah itself, she stayed in the Orang Asli community to fulfill her duty as part of the organisation’s programme, Community Development Programme which focuses on sectors such as education, infrastructure, health, and sustainable livelihood.

 

Nevertheless, the presence of Farah in the community is absolutely not all about work and job tasks alone. There is a multitude of key takeaways that she felt to understand better the life of Orang Asli. “I grabbed the chance and made the decision to stay in the community with them in the first place. Alhamdulillah, they are all so friendly and feel comfortable when I’m around.

 

“To be frank, weeks of staying there are too short for me to maintain good relationship with the people in the community, I believe it applies at all places as well. But among the things that I need to highlight, when we engage in the community of Orang Asli, they are all still the same, they treat us as human beings and even welcome our presence at their place.

 

When questioned about the uniqueness of Orang Asli, Farah believes that their survival ability is far more advanced and they also possess creativity level which is beyond a normal person can think. “They possess the ability to invent, create, build, and apply whatever that comes in their way to carry on their life journey. The most obvious thing I have ever seen was at the village, the art of what they built in their house. The house is walled by bamboo and roofed by leaves of palm tree. Besides, I have also seen pupils invented a replica of bomb toy using sticks and papers.

 

In spite of their incapacity to purchase materials or equipment for themselves, even food on a daily remains a doubt, it is these factors which intensify their survival ability and even far greater as compared with most of us, the modern communities residing in metropolitan. Additionally, having stunted from the state-of-art enables them to improve their imagination ability and creativity at a level which a normal person rarely possesses.

 

Among the best moments which Farah enjoyed with Orang Asli is the appreciation and care shown by the community itself. “I am indeed so delighted that the children including mothers in the community remember me during my presence. They always call me by my name when I am around. They way they appreciate me by waiting for my arrival at their place is considered a satisfaction that could never be obtained anywhere,” said Farah when asked.

 

Speaking of the challenges for this isolated community is a whole new story. Based on Farah’s observation, Orang Asli are mostly not exposed to new technologies invented as in line with modern times. They have no idea what happens outside their village. Such condition has hardly made them to think outside the box to see the world on the other side. In academic achievement, the pupils are still lacking behind to perform well as they cannot afford to follow the syllabus.

 

This is all due to the fact that they carry out different lifestyle which can be considered odd from the public community. But of course, it is unfair to describe they are lacking behind in everything. In fact, we are strictly not allowed to act as if we are ‘Mr-know-it-all’ and intend to make drastic changes in their community. There is one thing we should be aware of, Orang Asli do not want outsiders to disturb their identity and lifestyle. Better, take times and try to understand their locality before attaining their trust.

 

To Farah, there is too much to learn when being around in Orang Asli community because it indirectly exposes a clear example that challenges faced by these people should be made a benchmark to be grateful for the things we are given today.

Bandar Baru Bangi, 28 Jan 2019 – 93 humanitarian volunteers of Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) from various backgrounds were celebrated through Volunteer Appreciation Day 2018 at Bangi Golf Resort for their hard works and sacrifices in developing an integrated humanitarian world.

 

According to IRM Chief Executive Officer, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin, the programme is established to acknowledge the efforts shown by all volunteers in uplifting humanitarian activities as well as creating a caring world to show their concern towards humanitarian issues either local or international.

 

“We recognise all potential volunteers who actively engaged in every IRM programme. Through Volunteer Appreciation Day 2018, we would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and respect for their endless loyalty in serving our beneficiaries,” Zairulshahfuddin said in his speech.

 

He also added, “In fact, the Volunteer Appreciation Day 2018 organised by IRM Volunteer Development Unit is also a symbol of honour for the International Volunteer Day celebrated on December 5^th every year.

 

The focus of this programme is to share every humanitarian activity of IRM this year so more volunteers are enticed to work hand-in-hand alongside IRM towards a more integrated volunteer environment as well as foster a better relationship between volunteers and IRM family.

 

The program which celebrated a line of humanitarian volunteers also earned pleasant support from Humanitarian Icons of IRM. Saujana, Dr. Aizan Sofia Amin, Ashraf Muslim, and Irma Hasmie were among the icons who came to enliven the ambiance.

 

Suffian Amrin from Saujana stated, “Volunteer Appreciation day 2018 is such a unique program yet so loveable as we gather all humanitarian volunteers whose energy has been sacrificed to IRM. In fact, it is like an eye-opener for newcomers to dig out more on the actual humanitarian world.”

 

Ashraf Muslim also had his opinions expressed for the event. “Honestly I believe the programme is the most valuable event for each and every humanitarian volunteer who has been with IRM all along in many programmes organised by IRM itself.”

 

Last year, IRM conducted 32 programmes for volunteers. Through these programmes, 839 volunteers have been recruited, 195 volunteers have participated in trainings, and 558 volunteers have involved in our programmes. To date, IRM has over 3,000 registered volunteers in Malaysia who are ready to act for humanity.

Johor Bahru, 23 Jan 2019 – 30 special students from Sekolah Agama Pendidikan Khas Johor Bahru, Johor were aided with school necessities through Cheer to School programme organised by Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM).

 

The programme which involved students with hearing disabilities benefitted them with basic school expenses in hopes they would be more enthusiastic to continue learning at school.

 

School teachers from the particular school also fully supported the programme in helping to alleviate the burden shouldered by the students’ family.

 

Head Mistress of Sekolah Agama Pendidikan Khas Johor Bahru, Norhafizah Suhaimi said, “Honestly if we try to blend ourselves with the community, the rizqi is doubled. It is also our rizqi. Thank you very much to IRM for aiding the students. The programme is as if a present for them to feel blessed just like how the normal kids outside do.

 

“It also opens up more opportunities and eyes for the public to be aware of their existence and I compassionately believe that the sense of responsibility is there when we mingle around with them.”

 

All students were brought to Mydin Johor to buy basic necessities for educational purposes such as school uniform, a pair of shoes, socks, stationery, and sports uniform.

Speaking of the community of Orang Asli, the first thing we imagine is living in the forest surrounded by the fresh air in the morning, and far away from the local civilisation living both in urban or rural areas.

 

About two years ago, United Nations (UN) came out with a report saying that the rate of poverty among the Orang Asli Community was significantly lower, up to 70 percent. If we probe the matter more in-depth, the economic situation of Orang Asli hits almost rock bottom in Malaysia if it were to be compared with those of the rest.

 

However, what could be the benchmarking factor that put them in such situation? In general, we are already aware on the fact the life of Orang Asli is far different if we compare with the cluster of local civilisation that undergoes a fixed routine on a daily basis. The community of Orang Asli relies heavily on the forest every day. Their dependence on the forest also does not involve any monetary exchange in order to get the goods ready for use.

 

But above all, our perception towards the community of Orang Asli should be considerably adjusted. They are, in any way, not living in poverty but their life revolves around historical cultures and traditions that are safeguarded since decades ago.

 

Education awareness among Orang Asli Community has seen major improvements in recent years and more students are registered at school from time to time. Previously, their parents were reluctant to send their kids to school and considered the education as an additional burden. But now, the Orang Asli Community has been equipped with educational plans to uplift their social status.

 

According to Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), Malaysia has a fixed action plan which was materialised to provide basic education from pre-school, primary, secondary, and tertiary level. Generally, it is a planning system that involves Orang Asli to acquire education in a more effective way.

 

This year alone, the government has announced that there are a total number of 98 Orang Asli schools in Peninsular Malaysia which currently accommodate 37,394 students (Astro Awani). The success is accompanied by complete infrastructures that attracted students to continue pursuing knowledge.

Holistically speaking, Orang Asli community is actually not an isolated cluster as bad-mouthed by many today. Their life may be bound to the old cultures and traditions, but chances should be continuously provided without disturbing their regular routines. As in line with current development, non-government organisations (NGO) also play a crucial role in helping to empower their social status to the frontline.

Through the Community Development Project, Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) as an international NGO also takes the initiative to continuously improve the social status of Orang Asli by engaging them in programmes such as the Qurban Perdana, Basic Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Class, and Mushroom Cultivation Course.

Bangi, 2 Jan 2018 – Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) is thrilled to embark on new a journey to further uplift humanitarian world through the Care 4 Hunger campaign in efforts to reduce starvation cases.

 

IRM Chief Executive Officer, Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin said, “IRM plans to materialise the Care 4 Hunger campaign as aligned with our vision to help those who suffer from starvation.

 

Zairulshahfuddin also notes that the people who suffer from starvation are not in any favour for the cause but we as human are responsible to do something in relieving the case.

 

Apart from Care 4 Hunger, IRM will continue its main campaign namely Cheer to School and Emergency Winter Appeal.

 

Zairulshahfuddin also shared with the public that the Somalia Water Wakaf Fund (DWAS) 2.0 campaign will be launched soon this year.