Latest news with #OrangAsli
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Community spirit shines on
TEMERLOH: Realising the hardship faced by children from poor families and residents of elderly care homes, two NGOs here have continued to assist them in cash and kind, while another company is working to raise awareness on infectious diseases affecting society. The Temerloh Rotary Club has contributed in various ways over the years, including organising fundraising campaigns and charity sales for the benefit of the needy and less fortunate. Club vice-president Datuk Hiang A Li said many community-related programmes were still being carried out for the betterment of society. 'Despite the trying times and sluggish economy, we have no intention to slow down. 'We hope to be able to maintain our initiatives with the generous support of the public and private sector,' he said, noting a drop in sponsorships and contributions from regular donors. Earlier this year, the club held its annual Back to School programme, during which uniforms, socks and schoolbags were donated to poor families, especially Orang Asli pupils. 'We also organise blood donation drives to help replenish the government's blood bank. 'Orang Asli residents in remote areas also benefit from our clean piped water project supported by our affiliates and private companies,' he said. Hiang also said these projects could help transform, uplift and improve the quality of life for villagers. During major floods several years ago, affected villagers in Temerloh and Mentakab received assistance such as new furniture and electrical appliances to ease their burden. 'We have been actively assisting people for over four decades. Despite facing difficulties, our members will continue to provide humanitarian services, strengthen goodwill and harmony among the people,' he added. Driven to help: Hiang (left) and Chew (centre) are dedicated to supporting those in need through their NGOs, while Lam's company advocates for youth awareness in sex education. Temerloh Dancing Association president Datuk Seiko Chew Kim Pong said besides promoting dancing and singing as pastimes, they also organise community-related activities regularly. 'For example, we will visit old folks and children's homes, sing and perform dances to cheer them up. Very often, these residents are feeling lonely, need some company and a listening ear. 'Allowing them to share their thoughts and assuring them that they are not forgotten is one way to keep them happy,' he said, adding that respect and care for the elderly should be instilled among the young. Chew said members also organise small-scale fundraising, such as selling handmade souvenirs and baking cakes to raise money for welfare programmes. He said besides festive seasons, on some weekends, they would cook simple meals to share with the residents and help clean the premises. Separately, Care Latex founder Bonn Lam Chee Fong said the company is actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in public health. 'Our campaigns often focus on HIV prevention, especially among youth, and promoting safe sex education, including to vulnerable groups like refugees. 'We also partnered with organisations such as the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and engaged in various community-based programmes to raise awareness on proper family planning as well as prevention of sexually transmitted diseases,' he said. Lam cited a recent collaboration with the Pahang Health Department to support the government in meeting the target under the National Strategic Plan for Ending AIDS 2016-2030, targeting zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. Data shared by the MAC revealed a worrying trend – 44% of those infected with HIV in the country are youths aged between 20 and 29, and most new infections involve school leavers and students from institutions of higher learning. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni had revealed that 222 cases of university students infected with HIV were reported last year. Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
‘Not happy? Let MPs decide or wait for GE'
Honouring indigenous traditions: Anwar participating in an event with Orang Asli dancers at the opening ceremony of the national-level Unity Week celebration in the vicinity of Batu Kawan Stadium. — Bernama NIBONG TEBAL: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cautioned that any legitimate changes in government should follow constitutional procedures and not be attempted through street demonstrations. Responding to recent protests calling for his resignation, the Prime Minister said while the government does not oppose peaceful assemblies, any transition of power should be carried out through democratic and lawful means to uphold stability and the rule of law. 'If someone believes that the Prime Minister no longer commands the majority in Parliament, they should follow the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's advice and file a motion of no confidence. 'Let it be decided through votes in Parliament, if there are the numbers. If not, wait until the next general election. 'You cannot try to topple the government just because you are dissatisfied or impatient,' he said at the National Unity Week celebration. Anwar gave assurance that the government is always willing to listen to the people and does not govern by inciting hatred or destruction. 'We do not govern through anger or hatred, but by listening, reviewing and improving,' he said, dismissing allegations that the government suppresses freedom of speech. 'Don't think it's all easy. Building (a nation) takes time; destroying it is far easier. This country remains peaceful because the people are more mature and do not give in to incitement that causes division.' Anwar said on the international stage, Malaysia's stability has attracted global attention, with Kuala Lumpur recently hosting key discussions during the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting. 'Kuala Lumpur has recently drawn global attention, and for the first time since Donald Trump became president, high-level talks took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 'They both held discussions, but more importantly, Malaysia was given space (to host such engagements). For the first time ever, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also held high-level discussions with Rubio,' he said. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang gave an update on the ongoing National Unity Index, a key instrument to measure and strengthen national unity. 'The National Unity Index is expected to achieve a score of 0.7, which reflects the level of unity among Malaysians. 'This index assesses key aspects such as inter-ethnic relations, perceptions of national identity, and social trust, and serves as a main reference in formulating policies and ministry initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity.' Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech, reaffirmed the state government's strong commitment to community development and social unity through grassroots initiatives and inclusive representation. 'The state prioritises community development as a key agenda. 'This is evident through the appointment of the Village Community Management Councils, which remain active, attentive and close to the people across all walks of life,' he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
FesKEP 2025 showcases indigenous culture in Pahang
KUANTAN: The Malaysian Indigenous Arts Festival (FesKEP) @ Pahang 2025, a three-day event starting yesterday at Dataran Temerloh, serves as a platform to highlight the unique customs, cultural arts and heritage of the Orang Asli and indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the Pahang Department of National Culture and Arts (JKKN) with the support of the state government and various agencies, among others, it is to elevate the arts and culture of the Orang Asli and indigenous communities as a highly treasured national heritage. MOTAC deputy secretary-general (Culture) Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff said FesKEP @ Pahang 2025 reflects the ministry's commitment in upholding grassroots culture which as a mirror of Malaysian identity. In addition, the festival is seen as important to empower grassroots art groups and broaden the people's appreciation of the diversity of indigenous cultures that shape Malaysia's identity. 'Through this platform, MOTAC not only brings the general public closer to indigenous heritage, but we are also committed to elevating Orang Asli and indigenous culture to be part of the national heritage that we collectively take pride in,' he said in a statement today. Throughout the festival, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Orang Asli community life through the Mini Orang Asli Village which showcases various cultural and economic elements of this community in addition to several main attractions such as the sale of handicrafts, forest products and traditional crops. Even more fascinating, visitors can experience jungle life through the Survival Activities at the Survival Village, featuring demonstrations of skills such as traditional fire-making, hunting methods and an introduction to forest plants that are used in the daily lives of the indigenous community. - Bernama
Barnama
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
FesKEP 2025 Celebrates Indigenous Culture With Immersive Experiences
KUANTAN, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Indigenous Arts Festival (FesKEP) @ Pahang 2025, a three-day event starting yesterday at Dataran Temerloh, serves as a platform to highlight the unique customs, cultural arts and heritage of the Orang Asli and indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak. Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the Pahang Department of National Culture and Arts (JKKN) with the support of the state government and various agencies, among others, it is to elevate the arts and culture of the Orang Asli and indigenous communities as a highly treasured national heritage. MOTAC deputy secretary-general (Culture) Datuk Mohd Yusri Mohd Yusoff said FesKEP @ Pahang 2025 reflects the ministry's commitment in upholding grassroots culture which as a mirror of Malaysian identity. In addition, the festival is seen as important to empower grassroots art groups and broaden the people's appreciation of the diversity of indigenous cultures that shape Malaysia's identity. "Through this platform, MOTAC not only brings the general public closer to indigenous heritage, but we are also committed to elevating Orang Asli and indigenous culture to be part of the national heritage that we collectively take pride in," he said in a statement today. Throughout the festival, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Orang Asli community life through the Mini Orang Asli Village which showcases various cultural and economic elements of this community in addition to several main attractions such as the sale of handicrafts, forest products and traditional crops. Even more fascinating, visitors can experience jungle life through the Survival Activities at the Survival Village, featuring demonstrations of skills such as traditional fire-making, hunting methods and an introduction to forest plants that are used in the daily lives of the indigenous community. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
SMP 2025: Museums Dept Relives Nostalgia Of Over 20 Traditional Games, Sports
By Siti Azila Alias BATU KAWAN, July 19 (Bernama) -- The traditional games booth set up by the Museums Department at the National-Level 2025 Unity Week (SMP) celebration at the Batu Kawan Stadium complex has emerged as one of the main attractions, particularly among the younger generation. More than 20 types of traditional games and sports were featured at the booth, including sumpit, galah panjang, baling getah, boling kelapa, kaki hantu, batu seremban, congkak, teng-teng and dam ular - all of which reflect the rich cultural diversity of Malaysian society. Curator of the National Museum, Mohd Jamil Harun, said the games were not only on display but also made available for visitors to try out, allowing them to relive nostalgic memories while introducing the younger generation to traditional pastimes that are increasingly at risk of being forgotten. 'The younger generation who visit the booth are especially drawn to kaki hantu as well as kerchang, a traditional game of the Orang Asli community. Many of them are unfamiliar with how these games are played, so the secretariat demonstrates the proper way to play them. 'It's the same with lastik tin (slingshot) - we provide rubber slingshots like those used to target lizards. They don't know how to use them properly, which is why we need to regularly introduce these games through programmes like SMP, so that at the very least, they are aware of and appreciate our heritage,' he told Bernama when met here yesterday. Mohd Jamil said that in addition to allowing visitors to try out traditional games, his team also organised daily activities and competitions at the booth throughout the four-day SMP celebration. These included contests such as timbang chapteh, baling damak and sepak raga gelung - all aimed at reviving interest in traditional sports. To further engage young visitors and families, the booth also featured a series of interactive DIY (Do-It-Yourself) workshops, such as making batu seremban and kites, as well as crafting congkak boards. What made the experience more meaningful, he said, was that participants were allowed to take home the games they made themselves, creating lasting memories while learning about the country's heritage. He noted that such activities indirectly help instil interest and raise awareness about the artistic and creative value embedded in traditional games.
