Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) has completed the handover session for the Sustainable Energy & Clean Water Source Project to the representatives of the Orang Asli Bongor Village community, Royal Belum, Perak. This project is funded by the Ministry of Finance through Yayasan Hasanah and aims to improve the quality of life for the local community by providing continuous access to sustainable energy and clean water sources.

Project Details

• Implementation Period: March 2024 - February 2025
• Location: Kg Orang Asli Bongor, Royal Belum, Gerik, Perak

Project Implementation

MRA has installed solar systems in two premises, namely the primary school and kindergarten buildings, to provide a sustainable electricity source. Additionally, a water tank system and clean water piping have been constructed to meet the daily needs of the villagers. The project was implemented in phases and was successfully completed by December 2024.

The handover ceremony took place on February 23, 2025, and was attended by the Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah, Puan Siti Kamariah Subki.

Project Benefits

1. Access to Electricity & Internet:
• The villagers now have access to free and sustainable electricity, reducing reliance on fuel and saving costs.
• The installation of the satellite internet network (Starlink) allows the villagers to connect with the outside world, access up-to-date information, and introduce their village through social media.
2. Clean Water Source:
• A continuous supply of clean water is now available for cooking, personal hygiene, and daily needs, eliminating the need to hike up hills or rely on potentially contaminated lake water.
• The health of the community has improved with access to cleaner and safer water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
3. Community Empowerment:
• The villagers have been trained on the maintenance of the solar and water systems, ensuring they are capable of managing and sustaining these resources in the long term.
• Increased awareness of the importance of renewable energy and environmental care has fostered a more independent and sustainable community.

Challenges & Solutions

Due to the village's remote and more secluded location compared to other villages, access to electricity, clean water, and internet networks has been extremely limited. Recognizing this urgent need, MRA took the initiative to empower the local community by developing sustainable infrastructure and providing training to villagers, enabling them to conduct minor maintenance tasks independently. This approach ensures that the facilities provided can be used continuously and sustainably, aligning with the project's objective of creating long-term solutions.

However, some challenges remain, including disturbances from wildlife and concerns about the water levels receding, which are major worries for the local community. To address these challenges, various preventive measures and improvements have been implemented to ensure that the solar systems and clean water supply can be optimally used and function well in the long term.

With these facilities in place, the villagers now enjoy a more comfortable life and have better opportunities to improve their socio-economic status. Better access to electricity, clean water, and the internet not only facilitates daily activities but also opens up opportunities for education, economic development, and overall community well-being.