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Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Lata Kinjang waterfall lifeblood of Orang Asli
Lata Kinjang waterfall, one of the highest in Southeast Asia, is located about 18km from Tapah town. (Bernama pic) TAPAH : Cascading from a height of about 850m, Lata Kinjang waterfall – one of the highest waterfalls in Southeast Asia – is clearly visible when travelling along the north-south highway, beckoning road users to pause to take in its natural beauty before continuing their journey. Located about 18km from Tapah town, this multi-tier waterfall flows swiftly from the peak of the Titiwangsa range. Yet, it is more than just a scenic attraction – it holds deep significance for members of the Semai Orang Asli community, who have inhabited the area for nearly a century. According to Rani Ulin, the 'tok batin' or head of Kampung Orang Asli Lata Kinjang, the waterfall has been a lifeline for his community since their forefathers settled there in the 1930s. 'For four generations, many of our activities have centred around the waterfall. We gather forest produce, carry out farming and fishing activities, and make use of the various natural resources available around the falls. 'The waterfall remains the heart of our livelihood. As long as it continues to flow beautifully, so, too, will our spirit,' he said when met by Bernama recently. Rani Ulin. Rani explained that 'lata' means 'waterfall', while 'kinjang' refers to a type of deer. These symbolise the harmony of nature, which has remained well preserved in Lata Kinjang despite its relative proximity to Perak's capital, Ipoh. Now known as Taman Eko Rimba Lata Kinjang, the area has been under the management of the local Orang Asli community since February 2022 through Lata Kinjang Orang Asli Cooperative Bhd. The cooperative was established to improve the livelihoods of the indigenous community here. So far, it has provided jobs to 25 villagers. 'We're very happy to offer job opportunities to the youths here,' Rani said. 'They no longer need to migrate elsewhere to earn a living. Instead, they can serve and develop their own village. 'It's not just about providing employment; we've also become more confident in competing in the tourism sector. Tourism has become a major catalyst for our village economy.' Rani hopes tourists and other visitors will help protect Lata Kinjang's natural environment, which has remained well preserved despite its proximity to Ipoh. (Bernama pic) Rani, who is also the secretary of the cooperative, hopes his community will continue to receive support from relevant parties so that Lata Kinjang remains a natural treasure for future generations. 'We want the younger ones to feel proud of their ancestral land. As long as we can preserve the beauty and heritage of Lata Kinjang, there will always be opportunities for future generations to enjoy and benefit from it. 'We hope tourists and everyone who visits Lata Kinjang will help protect its natural environment. Development is important, but balance and sustainability are the keys to ensuring that Lata Kinjang continues to provide benefits in the future.'
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
Young Semai female pilot breaks barriers in M'sian aviation
Wak Elizabeth Tan Say Hong with the 409kg Pegasus Quantum at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi. (Bernama pic) LANGKAWI : Under the blazing sun at the Aircraft Static Display area of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima), a young woman can be seen meticulously cleaning a microlight Under the blazing sun at the Aircraft Static Display area of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima), a young woman can be seen meticulously cleaning a microlight aircraft Wearing a constant smile and speaking with enthusiasm, Wak Elizabeth Tan Say Hong, 19, cheerfully explains the features of the small aircraft and the services offered by Flytrike, a light aviation company participating in the 17th edition of Lima. What many may not expect, however, is that Tan is not just part of the exhibition team – she is one of Flytrike's pilots. Even more remarkably, she is of Semai descent, with Chinese heritage through her father. 'I never imagined becoming a pilot. But my father always dreamed of being one, and that sparked my own interest,' she told Bernama when met at the display area of the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre. Tan's passion for aviation began after she casually tried paragliding after sitting for her SPM. That first experience sparked a genuine desire to fly. 'My early career started with Flytrike, which offers tandem services. I trained under them until I completed my first solo flight. I'm now undergoing tandem training,' she said. The requirements, she shared, are simple: good health, not being colour blind, and legs long enough to reach the throttle. The second of four siblings, Tan hopes to inspire others from the Orang Asli community to chase their dreams. 'My mother is Orang Asli from Batu 17, Jalan Tapah in Cameron Highlands. She grew up in the jungle, without internet or even a fridge. After marrying my Chinese father, they moved to Petaling Jaya in Selangor. 'To succeed, there's really nothing impossible – no matter where you come from or your background,' she said. Tan is now working to complete the required flying hours to qualify for her full pilot's licence. This being her first time at Lima, she said she was thrilled by the experience, especially seeing aircraft and helicopters from various countries up close on the tarmac. As for the microlight she flies, Tan describes the 409kg Pegasus Quantum as 'unique', saying the aircraft seats two people and offers a different kind of flying experience compared to conventional planes. 'The microlight's control system works in reverse – push to go up, pull to go down. Its open design offers a more immersive flight experience. You can feel the wind and the surroundings directly, unlike looking through a small window in a commercial plane,' she explained. Lima, which concludes today in Langkawi, has been Southeast Asia's largest maritime and aerospace exhibition since its inception in 1991.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Teen Semai pilot breaking barriers in Malaysian aviation
Flytrike pilot Wak Elizabeth with the Pegasus Quantum microlight aircraft at Lima'25. – Bernama LANGKAWI: Under the blazing sun at the static aircraft display area of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima'25), a tall young woman can be seen meticulously cleaning a microlight aircraft. Wearing a bright smile, Wak Elizabeth Tan Say Hong, 19, enthusiastically explained the features of the small aircraft and the services offered by Flytrike, a light aviation company. However, she is not just an ordinary employee – she is one of Flytrike's pilots. Uniquely, Wak Elizabeth is of Semai descent from Cameron Highlands. "I never imagined becoming a pilot. My father, though, always dreamed of being one and that sparked my interest," she said when met at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) here. Wak Elizabeth's passion for aviation was sparked after a paragliding experience after sitting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam. "My career started with Flytrike, a private light aviation company that offers tandem services. I trained under them until I completed my first solo flight and I'm now undergoing tandem training," she said. She said requirements are straightforward – good health, no colour blindness and legs long enough to reach the throttle. The second of four siblings, Wak Elizabeth also hopes to inspire others from the Orang Asli community to chase their dreams. "My mother is an Orang Asli from Batu 17, Jalan Tapah in Cameron Highlands. She grew up in the jungle – without Internet or even a fridge. After marrying my Chinese father, they moved to Petaling Jaya, Selangor. "To succeed, there's nothing impossible – no matter where you come from or your background," she said, adding she is now working to complete the required flying hours to qualify for a full pilots licence. Wak Elizabeth said she was thrilled by the experience of being at Lima'25 for the first time, especially seeing aircraft and helicopters from various countries up close on the tarmac. Describing the microlight she flies – a 409kg Pegasus Quantum – as unique, Wak Elizabeth said the aircraft seats two people and offers a different kind of flying experience compared to conventional planes. "The microlight's control system works in reverse – push to go up, pull to go down. Its open design gives a more immersive flight experience. You can feel the wind and the surroundings directly, unlike looking through a small window in a commercial plane," she said. Lima'25, held from May 20 to 24 in Langkawi, is South-East Asia's largest maritime and aerospace exhibition since its inception in 1991. – Bernama COMP Wak Elizabeth, Pilot, Microlight Aircraft, Semai, Orang Asli
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Lata Kinjang: More than a waterfall, a vital lifeline sustaining Orang Asli heritage, economy, and traditions
TAPAH, May 11 — Cascading from a height of about 850 metres, Lata Kinjang Waterfall — one of the highest waterfalls in Southeast Asia — is clearly visible when travelling along the North-South Expressway, almost beckoning road users to pause for a moment before continuing their journey. Located about 18 kilometres from the town of Tapah, this multi-tiered waterfall flows swiftly from the peak of the Titiwangsa Range. Yet, it is more than just a scenic natural attraction — it holds deep significance for the Semai Orang Asli community, who have inhabited the area for nearly a century. According to Rani Ulin, the Tok Batin or headman of Kampung Orang Asli Lata Kinjang, the waterfall has been a vital lifeline for his community since their forefathers settled there in the 1930s. 'For generations, many of our activities have centered around the waterfall. We gather forest produce, carry out farming and fishing activities, and make use of the various natural resources available around the falls. 'Now in our fourth generation, the waterfall remains the heart of our livelihood. As long as it continues to flow beautifully, so too will our spirit,' he said when met by Bernama recently. A view of the Lata Kinjang waterfall, which is a popular location for visitors, during Bernama's recent survey of the Eco-Forest Park May 11, 2025. — Bernama pic Sharing the origin of the waterfall's name, Rani, 53, said 'lata' means waterfall while 'kinjang' is a type of deer, symbolisng the harmony of the surrounding nature, which has remained well-preserved despite being located not far from Perak's capital Ipoh. Now known as Taman Eko Rimba Lata Kinjang (Lata Kinjang Eco Park), the area has been under the management of the local Orang Asli community since February 2022 through Lata Kinjang Orang Asli Cooperative Bhd (KOALKB), which was established to improve the livelihoods of the Orang Asli there. So far, the cooperative has provided job opportunities to 25 villagers. 'We're very happy to offer job opportunities to the youth here. They no longer need to migrate elsewhere to earn a living. Instead, they can serve and develop their own village. 'It's not just about providing employment, but we've also become more confident in competing in the tourism sector. Tourism has become a major catalyst for our village economy,' said Rani, who is also KOALKB secretary. A view of the Lata Kinjang waterfall, which is a popular location for visitors, during Bernama's recent survey of the Eco-Forest Park May 11, 2025. — Bernama pic He hopes his community's efforts will continue to receive support from all relevant parties so that Lata Kinjang remains a natural treasure even for future generations. 'We want the younger generation here to feel proud of their ancestral land. As long as we can preserve the beauty and heritage of Lata Kinjang, there will always be opportunities for future generations to enjoy and benefit from it. 'We hope tourists and everyone who visits (Lata Kinjang) will help protect its natural environment. Development is important but balance and sustainability are the keys to ensuring that Lata Kinjang continues to bring benefits in the future,' he said. — Bernama
