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.
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