The People's Festival enlivens UMPSA's ‘Kembara Prihatin’ solicitude for the indigenous community

CAMERON HIGHLANDS, 27 July 2024 - Over 500 people attended the People's Festival and communal work programme in conjunction wi’th Kembara Prihatin’@Pos Telanok, bringing the expertise and technology of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to the indigenous community in Cameron Highlands.

The programme successfully strengthened community bonds, providing a platform for residents to gather, share stories, celebrate culture, engage in sports, and foster cooperation, ultimately building a more united community.

A total of 52 Kilau UMPSA volunteers, including 27 students and 25 staff, camped at Sekolah Kebangsaan Telonok for four days and three nights to experience the local atmosphere and culture.

The event was inaugurated by the President of the Pahang State Representatives' Wives Charitable Association (TERATAI), Datin Sri Dato' Hajah Burhah Mohammed.

Also in attendance were the Chairman of the UMPSA Board of Directors, Dato' Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the wife of the Cameron Highlands Member of Parliament, Datin Dr. Rozana Binti Kamal, Member of the Board of Trustees of the UMPSA Foundation, Dato' Ir. Ts. Izwan Hasli Mohd Ibrahim, Datin Nur Sharmila Shaheen, and Treasurer, Dato' Zainudin Othman.

Dato' Seri Abdul Razak highlighted that the expertise available at UMPSA allowed for successful technology transfer to the community. 

“Through focused clusters such as technology, community service, education, spirituality, sustainability, and aid, this programme significantly impacts the lives of local residents. 

“The community benefited from programmes like motorcycle maintenance, compost fertilizer briefings, and electrical wiring,” he said.

Various activities, including sports, STEM programmes, children's colouring competitions, and more, were held to enliven the atmosphere.

Dato' Seri Abdul Razak appreciated the cooperation with TERATAI Association, UMPSA Women's Association (Matahari), PEKEMA Foundation, Cameron Highlands Parliament, Rainbow Girl, Orang Asli Welfare Department (JAKOA), Cameron Highlands District Council, Cameron Highlands Development Corporation, Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR), and especially the Sekolah Kebangsaan Telanok.

Datin Sri Dato' Hajah Burhah also visited the field to greet those in need during the ‘Ziarah’ programme, accompanied by members of the TERATAI, UMPSA Women's Association, and UMPSA Foundation in a nearby indigenous village.

Other ‘Kembara Prihatin’ activities included the Inspection and Electrical Wiring programme in Kampung Susu, Water Gutter installation in Sekolah Kebangsaan Telanok, and educational programmes such as the Bokoso Fertilizer Briefing (Community), Multimedia Basic Course (Sekolah Kebangsaan Telanok Teacher), and Inspire sessions with school students.

The ‘Kembara Prihatin’ programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN), addressing various aspects of human life and the environment by 2030, including goals such as zero poverty, zero hunger, improved education, hygiene and health, and climate action.

By: Nur Hartini Mohd Hatta, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)