tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099017445880918109.comments2022-03-27T05:35:08.863+08:00MOW-Meals On Wheels Ti-RatanaTi-Ratana Penchala-Sharing, Caring and Givinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09674055310577808630noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8099017445880918109.post-34108300533577231472012-12-09T19:16:34.655+08:002012-12-09T19:16:34.655+08:00Hi Ti-Ratana Penchala Center,
Many thanks for vi...Hi Ti-Ratana Penchala Center, <br /><br />Many thanks for visiting the Mah Meri at P. Indah, and for giving them food aid & pre-loved donatables. It's good that your members have chosen to look out for indigenous ethnic minorities.<br /><br />However, please understand the underlying issues in this village as some of your comments are inaccurate:<br /><br />1. "Some of the parents do not view education as important enough to get the children ready for school in the morning." - this is not accurate as there are many reasons why the kids don't/can't go to school. Poverty is one of it. Also, transport is not readily available, and bullying also happens frequently to Asli kids in mixed-schools. Most Asli parents understand the importance of education and some in that village also attend adult-education classes (KEDAP).<br /><br />2. " It will be useful for them to learn some crafts that can supplement their household income." - this is a resettled village as their land was taken over by the ports. There is very little land left for cultivation and no natural resources (except some pandanus) which can be used to make crafts for income generation.<br /><br />3. "The Orang Asli are so used to living in the jungle, and even after being out of the jungle for more than 10 years, they still cannot get used to the more civilized way of living, particularly in terms of hygiene" - this village is a displaced village having lost much of their land over the last 20 years. Entrenched poverty is a common problem to those who have been displaced. But to equate their lifestyle as being uncivilized just because we have different standards of living is uncalled for. <br /><br />The "blue boxes" they live in are PPRT houses, and like many around the country, are badly built with poor ventilation and often without a ceiling. And with dwindling catches caused by sea pollution & increased boat traffic, it is hard to make ends meet. <br /><br />So "civilisation" they now enjoy is not always welcome, as now alcoholism and other problems are creeping into this and other Asli villages. <br /><br />In all, please try to understand the Orang Asli, their predicament & issues and not make judgements on a people who are trying hard to keep their faith, customs & customary lands intact.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Reita Rahim<br />Coordinator, Gerai OA<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02423992166405725790noreply@blogger.com