Orang Asli villagers bridge gap to kids' studies
ORANG Asli villagers from Pos Balar in Gua Musang, Kelantan, have taken it upon themselves to build a temporary bridge to cross the torrential Sungai Balar as school holidays draw to an end, reported Berita Harian.
The new bridge, made out of wood, was built with a team of 57 villagers with the primary goal of enabling their kids and teachers from the nearby villages to attend the nearby SK Balar across the river with the first term holidays ending on June 9.
Orang Asli Village Development and Safety Committee chairman Hanan Anjang said the temporary bridge took nearly eight hours to complete and was the third one built at the exact crossing location.
He said the bridge was a temporary measure as plans for a new permanent bridge have finally been announced to be in the works.
'We were informed that the construction of a new bridge will begin this month but while waiting for the new bridge to be completed, residents still need to cross the river to get to school.
'So, we rebuilt the temporary bridge for the third time to ease access for parents and teachers,' he said.
Previously in March, a permanent steel suspension bridge crossing for the river was destroyed after heavy rains resulted in extremely strong currents that left Pos Balar villagers isolated.
On June 1, the Orang Asli Development Department announced the construction of a new RM400,000 bridge for Pos Balar.
> Actress Amira Othman has denied talks of her potential marriage to fellow actor Fattah Amin, Kosmo! reported.
The 31-year-old singer said there were currently no wedding plans, despite appearing to have grown closer to Fattah in the eyes of their fans.
'There has been all kinds of speculation with some even saying I'd be getting married in May, but I was performing in Johor. So, it was all just playful teasing from my fans.
'There's nothing like that (getting married).
'If anything is really happening, I'll definitely share it,' she told the daily.
Speculation began shortly following Fattah's divorce from Nur Fazura Sharifuddin in October last year.Rumours of the pair's close relationship only intensified after they were featured together in several high-profile brand campaigns, with social media photos of them together also going viral.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
4 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
More than just luck: Meet the Malaysian who's been winning contests for 21 years
WE have all tried our luck at some point, a lucky draw, a radio contest, maybe even a social media giveaway, but let's be honest, most of us do not expect lightning to strike more than once. For one Malaysian man, however, luck is not just a passing moment, it's practically a way of life. Meet 39-year-old Faiz Aizuddin Azami, a man who has defied the odds and turned what began as simple curiosity into a full-blown lifestyle. Over the past 21 years, he has won more than 5,000 prizes, with a total value reaching into the millions of ringgit. What sounds like a dream to most is Faiz's everyday reality. From gadgets to holidays, cars to cash, he's taken home prizes so valuable that their combined worth could buy several low-cost homes. It may sound unbelievable, almost like a fantasy, but for Faiz, this is very much real life. 'I've been actively entering contests since 2004 right after SPM. My first big win was through a slogan-based SMS contest with DiGi, where I won 10 months' worth of salary, approximately RM48,000. 'That was a huge amount for a student like me at the time, and it truly changed the way I looked at contests. Since then, I've entered thousands and won over 5,000 prizes,' he said when contacted by Sinar Daily recently. Faiz with his little family. - Credit photo: Instagram @faizaizuddin A former teacher and father of three, he eventually left his job in the public sector due to the frequent travel required to claim holiday prizes abroad. He now focuses full-time on educational motivation work and contesting, aiming to win at least 1,000 prizes a year, with a targeted value of RM100,000 annually. What started as a lucky break has become a rewarding lifestyle. Massive prize haul Among Faiz's most jaw-dropping wins was a luxury VIP holiday for ten people to four major theme parks in Los Angeles, complete with over RM100,000 in spending money. 'The most expensive prize I ever won was a two-week VIP trip for 10 people to four theme parks in California back in 2008. It came with cash too, the total value was around RM180,000. 'If I added up everything I've won since 2004, I reckon I could have bought a few low-cost houses by now,' he said. He shared that he took the holiday with his own group of friends, everything fully paid for. More recently, Faiz also won a brand-new Toyota Vios worth around RM91,000. But that's only scratching the surface. Over the years, Faiz has enjoyed all-expenses-paid holidays to the United Kingdom, Türkiye, France, Japan, Korea, and other international destinations, turning once-in-a-lifetime trips into something almost routine. In addition to luxury travel, Faiz has taken home RM24,000 in cash and an astonishing number of physical prizes, including ten 55-inch TVs, twenty refrigerators, and thirty washing machines. He has also won hundreds of home appliances, fom the latest smartphones and tablets to kitchen gadgets and electronics. One especially memorable win was a home renovation package worth over RM10,000. On the automotive front, Faiz has won eight motorcycles and two cars: a Proton X50 and a Mini Cooper. 'I once won a Mini Cooper worth RM235,000, but I shared that prize with six other friends. So, my share wasn't huge, but it's still a sweet memory,' he added. Many of these wins came from collaborations with fellow contest enthusiasts, showing not just his luck but also his skill in navigating the competition world. These prizes have brought him not only material rewards but unforgettable life experiences. Thanks to his contesting journey, Faiz has met global celebrities and sports icons, including Neymar, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, and Justin Bieber, moments that added extra sparkle to his winning story. Faiz also shared that sometimes the prizes he won weren't things he actually needed, or he already owned similar items. Instead of letting them gather dust, he chose to sell them and use the money for more important things, like covering expenses, supporting his family, or buils up his savings. 'It's practical, and it also helps to fund new contest entries,' he added. Faiz has taken home RM24,000 in cash and an astonishing number of physical prizes, including ten 55-inch TVs, twenty refrigerators, and thirty washing machines. - Credit photo: Instagram @faizaizuddin Tips to avoid contest scams When it comes to avoiding scams, Faiz describes himself as both brave and smart. He shared that he never joins a contest without first checking who the organiser is. If it's a well-known and trusted brand like Nestlé, P&G, or major banks, he feels more confident entering. 'But if a contest comes from a suspicious page, or asks for too much personal information like your full ID number or bank account details right away, I just skip it. That's a big red flag. 'Also, if they pressure you to DM quickly or click on strange links, I avoid it,' he said. If an agency is managing the contest, he will check their track record first. He also watches how influencers run their contests, if the announcements are vague or winners are never revealed, he becomes suspicious. He admitted that he has been promised prizes he never received before. When asked if he has ever been scammed, Faiz said no, but his mother was tricked early on. She fell for a fake contest claiming she'd won a big prize, a car, but had to pay a 'processing fee.' She paid around RM5,000 but ended up receiving just cheap mattresses and goods, after which the organisers disappeared without a trace. 'Since then, I've been much more careful and learned from that experience so I don't get scammed again,' he said. Tips for smart competing Faiz shared that he usually enters contests on his own, though he sometimes involves family members to boost his chances. Most of the competitions he joins are free, but some do require purchases, such as buying items from the supermarket and then submitting a receipt or slogan. He stressed that to win, participants need to understand the rules and develop their own strategies. For example, contests that reward the highest spenders with big prizes like cars require significant investment, while others are more about luck, with some first-time participants winning grand prizes unexpectedly. 'First, always read the terms and conditions carefully. A lot of people just submit without really understanding the rules. 'Next, for slogan-based contests, be original and emotional. Judges tend to favour lines that touch the heart or bring a smile. If creativity is needed, use wordplay, rhyme, or unexpected twists to stand out. 'And lastly, consistency. If you only join one contest, it's hard to win. But if you enter ten, your chances increase significantly,' he said. Faiz admitted that he hasn't always been lucky. He once spent tens of thousands on a contest and walked away with nothing. There were even times he won but never received the prize. Still, he has learned how to improve his odds and maintain consistency over time. For beginners, he suggested starting with simple contests like those that only require a comment and share, then gradually trying slogan or creative-based ones. He also reminded people to always read the terms, keep proof of entry, and most importantly, enjoy the process. According to him, this is a marathon, not a sprint, the prizes are just a bonus. Marathon, not a sprint Success doesn't come overnight or by chance; it is a process that demands effort, patience, and wisdom. For those interested in joining contests, it's important to approach it thoughtfully and strategically. As Faiz wisely puts it, this is a marathon, not a sprint, so take your time, be persistent, and play smart. Keep learning, stay consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. With the right mindset and determination, you too can turn your luck into lasting success.
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
72YO retired Malaysian engineer repairs toys and gives them back to charity
Tan Guan Poh, 75, hung up his tools as an electrical and electronics engineer over 25 years ago – but he never stopped tinkering. His favourite project these days? Faulty toys. 'I worked as an engineer for decades, so I am familiar with electronics. 'When I open up a faulty toy, I can see the wires – I know how the circuit works and where the power flows,' he says during a chat in Subang Jaya, Selangor. When I open up a toy, I can see the wires – I know how the circuit works and and where the power flows,' says Tan. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran In the 1980s, Tan was inspired by the popular TV series MacGyver , which featured secret agent Angus MacGyver who could fix or find solutions to almost anything with everyday objects. 'In my eyes, MacGyver was so cool. And I wanted to be like him. 'I liked how MacGyver used his intelligence to solve things,' he says with a smile. 'Now I repair toys. It keeps my mind active, and I enjoy breathing new life into old toys.' At his home in Subang Perdana Goodyear Court, stacks of old toys fill plastic boxes belonging to his grandchildren, who usually visit him on weekends. In a few cardboard boxes are toy cars and robots, some broken, brought in by his church for Tan to fix and donate to underprivileged and Orang Asli children in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. Angus MacGyver (played by Richard Dean Anderson) was the coolest fix-it guy on the telly in the 1980s. Screengrab: Culturapoparigor/Instagram 'Most of these battery-operated toys stop working because of simple issues – faulty circuits or missing parts. 'It is easy to throw broken things away, but if they can be fixed, why not (salvage them)?' Fondly known as Uncle GP, Tan is one of many senior citizens who believe in staying active. While some opt to pursue their hobbies or take on part-time jobs, he uses his expertise to help others. The Kedahan believes active ageing helps seniors remain mentally sharp and socially connected. Tan (right) with his church members and the Orang Asli community from Kampung Chemperoh, Bentong, Pahang. Photo: Tan Guan Poh 'Retirement doesn't mean you stop living. 'Look at me – I feel younger doing this. And the best part is, I get to play with toys,' says the grandfather of nine, who once worked as a process engineer in Kulim, Kedah. A 2020 research titled Health Promotion and Active Ageing Among Seniors in Malaysia finds that seniors who were mentally and physically active tended to have an overall positive assessment of their well- being. The study, published in the Journal Of Health Research, also states that health promotion and active ageing are two central components in enhancing quality of life and allowing seniors to retain a sense of control in their life. Reuse, reduce and recycle Tan's community work began during the pandemic, when he offered toy repair services at the now-defunct Re:Play Toy Hub and Toy Library, a free play space run by social enterprise Play Unlimited at a mall in USJ. 'One day, I walked past and saw toys inside the store. 'Curious, I stepped in and found out some of the preloved toys were faulty. 'I offered to help – it was my way of giving back,' says Tan, who was born and raised in Kuala Muda, Kedah. He was with Re:Play for almost two years and repaired hundreds of battery-operated toys – from remote-controlled cars and light-up educational toys to interactive plushies. While at Re:Play, he even trained a few volunteers to repair toys. Tan is a firm believer in the 3Rs – reuse, reduce and recycle – and wants to help build a more sustainable Malaysia with less trash and plastic waste. Through toy repair, he extends the life of items that would otherwise end up in landfills, and also teaches children to value their belongings. 'Kids these days have everything. 'Sometimes they lack the passion and motivation to learn because they are given too much. 'Parents should not pamper their kids too much,' says the father of three. An active lifestyle helps seniors maintain purpose, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran He recalls his own childhood, where toys were a rare luxury. 'My father worked at Sungkap Para Estate in Sungai Petani. 'We couldn't afford toys, so I made my own. 'I used matchboxes to build toy cars and Coca-Cola bottle caps as wheels. 'I was about eight then,' he recalls. That early resourcefulness never left him. As a boy, he learned to sew from his mother, who used a Singer sewing machine. Tan uses his trusted sewing machine to mend torn toys, giving them a second life before donating them to charity. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran Today, he still uses an old sewing machine he bought for RM200. 'I sew pillowcases and repair teddy bears by hand before donating them to charity,' he says proudly. He adds that while kids today are lucky to have access to phones and technology, he believes they must also be guided on how to use them creatively. 'They can play games, but also use the phone to learn and discover new things. That is important.' A bigger mission Tan's passion for helping others extends beyond toy repair. Tan is passionate about giving back to the community and caring for toys. He also serves as a chaplain (a person who provides spiritual and emotional care in communities) at a church in USJ 1, Subang Jaya. Part of his duties include visiting nursing homes and being a standby pastor for a funeral company in Kuala Lumpur. 'In life, we must do what we can to help others. 'Even small deeds can make a big difference,' he says. After retiring in 2000, Tan served as a pastor at several Methodist churches across the country. In 2008, he pursued his studies in Clinical Pastoral Education at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford, Texas. He later worked for five years as a hospital chaplain in Singapore. 'My job was to support patients emotionally and spiritually. When they feel more positive, they're more likely to take their medication and, over time, respond better to treatment.' He returned to Malaysia just before the pandemic – and quickly found new ways to contribute. 'When I came back, I felt the need to serve the community. 'So I used my skills to repair toys at Re:Play,' he says. These days, he continues to offer his services at PARC, a community hub in Subang Jaya, where he fixes broken items on Wednesdays and Fridays for a small fee. Tan is a firm believer in the 3Rs and wants to help build a more sustainable Malaysia with less trash and plastic waste. His technical know-how has led him to invent simple solutions. For example, he now converts battery-powered toys to USB-powered ones. 'Most toys run on five volts, just like on a USB. 'So I open the toy, find the terminals, and connect a USB cable. 'That way, there isn't a need to keep replacing batteries.' At home, he is always learning, especially when something new challenges him. 'I go to the Internet to learn. I didn't know how to match a transmitter and receiver for a remote-control toy, but now I'm learning it bit by bit.' Passing it on Looking ahead, Tan hopes to run repair workshops for senior citizens, teaching them basic electronic and toy repair skills. 'Many seniors feel bored. I believe in sharing my knowledge. So far, I have trained a few women when I was volunteering at Re:Play. I know I can train more.' He believes that with some guidance, anyone can learn the basics. 'As long as you know how to open up a toy, identify positive and negative terminals, and not mix them up, you are halfway there. 'The mechanical parts are easy. Electronics just need a bit of practice – changing parts, understanding wires and soldering.' A few basic tools are all you need to carry out simple toy repairs. Some USB cables (the kind used for toys), he notes, only have two wires. 'Once you get that, and know how to use a screwdriver, you can start fixing things. 'You don't need an engineering degree.' Tan also highlights the emotional value of toys, especially for the elderly. 'Toys aren't just for kids. They can bring back memories. 'For dementia patients, old toys can serve as powerful reminders of their past,' he concludes.
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Indigenous prodigies' musical quest
Orang Asli Seletar Peter Asiang (left), 22, and Paul Sia Yong Sin, 21, mastered five and six musical instruments respectively on their own without formal lessons. Self-taught cousins master several instruments JOHOR BARU: For many children, attending music school is a luxury. This is especially true for children from Orang Asli families, such as Peter Asiang and Paul Sia Yong Sin. These two cousins overcame their humble backgrounds to not just play music but master at least five instruments on their own without professional lessons. Peter and Paul, both from the Orang Seletar tribe, were just 12 and 11 when they were first exposed to playing music by a church member who introduced them to the guitar and piano, respectively. A decade later, 22-year-old Peter has mastered five musical instruments – guitar, bass, keyboard, cajon, and drums. 'That first encounter changed my life as I started learning the instruments by watching how others played,' said Peter, a fisherman from Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Temun. 'Honestly, we did not know people had to go for proper lessons to learn music. We did not learn about music notes. But we somehow could find a song's key just by listening to it,' said Peter. Paul, who has since mastered six musical instruments, including the violin, said they only had access to them on Saturdays during church services. 'We could not afford to buy our instruments and had to rely on the precious 15 to 20 minutes to use them when no one else was using them in church,' said Paul of Kampung Orang Asli Pasir Salam. 'Without instruments at home, I discovered a musical instrument app on my mother's old phone and found it surprisingly practical. 'Without it, my music might never have found its voice. Since then, we have been using apps on our smartphones to keep strengthening our skills,' said Paul, who until today still does not have the privilege of owning his own instruments. Paul, a student at a skills institute, is also thankful to a church member who noticed their talent during a service, which made them realise they might have a special gift. 'I recall her teaching me basic chords, and from there, I started observing the sounds the piano made. Within weeks, I could already perform full songs,' said Paul. Their talent soon drew the attention of people around them, who began inviting them to perform at weddings, festivals and church services. Paul hopes to one day open his recording studio to produce songs that amplify voices from underserved communities. 'For now, we will focus on practising and improving our skills, as we will also be performing at several church conferences for Malaysia Day. 'I hope to pick up more musical instruments in the future,' said Peter, who is a vocalist with dreams of using his voice to uplift others. 'We're not good with words, but we can talk about the universe through music,' he said.
