MEETING THE NEW JHEOA OFFICER

I arrived at the Kompleks Transit & Pentadbiran Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli Daerah at 2:25 pm on 23 Mac, 2009. Nasiri, Batin Kampung Pisang has arranged the meeting with Puan Norizan the new JHEOA officer at 3:00 pm. I have close rapport with the JHEOA officers, previously En. Badrul who has transferred to Kuantan, Pahang and now Pn. Norizan. I have met Pn. Norizan before.

As usual, Puan Norizan is friendly. We chat about previous programmes, suddenly my old pal dropped in to see his boss. He is En. Zakaria whom I met 8 years ago in Kampung Lawai while organising a youth integration programme. Three of us continue to chat about the old days! Then, we started the main purposes why I am there! I have discussed with a few Batin to have some projects that can upgrade their living standard and social economy status. The young Batins are aggressive and pro-active. Hopefully these projects can eradicate their poverty.

I suggested to Pn Norizan that the 'orang asli' should be sent for fishery training especially those staying at the riverside where the water resources available. Nasiri supported my idea and he asked Pn. Norizan to help them. Pn. Norizan agreed. En. Zakaria gave some positive opinions. JHEOA is concern on the sustainability of such project. I told Nasiri that it is the role that a Batin should plays to motivate and counsel their people. Do not always wait for assistance from the government! Nasiri promised he will do his best.

Other matters arise are the agar wood planting and train 'orang asli' youth as guide.

En. Zakaria agreed that agar wood has potential as it fetch high price. The planting of agar wood has become an industry which has started in Gopeng recently. Pn. Norizan will look into it with the Forestry Department. I will seek help from the Primary Industries Ministry for further assistance.

Pn. Norizan said that the training for outdoor guide are not available at this moment as it incurred some cost which JHEOA has not decided yet. Azri, a young 'orang asli' said he has contacted the State Tourism Action Council (MTPN) where there are allocation to promote and develop tourist destination. He will seek further clarification from MTPN if there is outdoor guide training programme. I was told that there are many undergraduates scaling Gunung Yong Yap and Gunung Korbu during semester holiday. These 'orang asli' can be their guide to earn extra income as they known the area well.

Well in my heart, I will try to bring in some foreign climbers via National Camping Association of Malaysia [NCAM] and Malaysia Youth Council which they have worldwide contacts on outdoor lovers. Perak Campers, registered recently can play its role to promote Jalong Tinggi as an outdoor haven.

The meeting ended at about 4:20 pm.

XPDC SUNGAI SIPUT

Sungai Siput Youth and Sports Department has organised the XPDC Sungai Siput on Saturday, 21.3.2009. More than 130 youths taking part. Sungai Siput police personnel and Kelab Sukan Komuniti Jalong members also take part in this programme. The message carry out to the public through this programme is "Free The Youth From Criminal" [Generasi Belia Bebas Jenayah].

The expedition started from the Sungai Siput Community Sports Complex at about 8:30 a.m. going through the main road towards Jalan Dato' See Khoon Lim to Jalan Jalong then Jalan Lintang towards FELDA Lasah. Stopover in FELDA Lasah continue back to community sports complex via Sungai Siput Hospital and main road. The estimated distance is about 50 km.

I was honoured to flag off the participants with Chief Inspector Ribuan. This is the 1st series of the expedition.

I am taking part too!

PERAK MB'S ADVISOR VISIT SPORTS COMPLEX

In conjunction with the friendly competition organised by Kelab Sukan Komuniti Jalong, Y. Bhg. Dato' Chang Ko Youn was invited to visit the sports complex. The Perak State Menteri Besar's Advisor was brief by the Sungai Siput Youth and Sports Department officer, En. Khairul.

Dato' Chang was enlightened with the completion of this sports complex which is the only one in Malaysia right now. The RM2.2 million complex was completed in 2008. It were the effort of Y. Bhg. Dato' Seri Samy Velu and Y. Bhg. Dato' Chang Ko Youn whom they wanted the complex to be built in Sungai Siput town where the complex was easily excess. The complex was situated between Happy Garden and Kampung Bahagia i.e. behind Sungai Siput Health Clinic.

KSK JALONG - AADK PERAK FRIENDLY

Kelab Sukan Komuniti Jalong held a friendly competition with Ajensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan Negeri Perak [Perak State Anti-Drug Agency] on 14-15 Mac, 2009. This event was held in Sungai Siput Sports Complex. 3 games were played i.e. badminton, FUTSAL and sepak takraw.

In conjunction with this event Y. Bhg. Dato' Chang Ko Youn, Perak State Menteri Besar's Advisor was brief on the development of the sports complex by the Sungai Siput Youth and Sports Department.

The success of this friendly competition encourage KSK Jalong to have more friendly competition in future. The friendly competition enhance closer friendships and understanding between the government agencies / departments with the public. It also promote healthy lifestyle.

Personally, I think this is the way to promote mutual understanding between the civil servants and the locals. They can exchange ideas and helping each other to ensure that social ill and problems can be eliminated. This will create a more harmony living.