We visited the Semai people, the orang asli village with about 15 families in Bertam, near Cameron Highlands on 3rd Dec 2014.
The Semai orang asli (indigenous) people of Cameron Highlands have been living on this hill area in Bertam. The families here are still living with no electricity or no proper source of living since they relocated here.
“How long have your tribe been around here?”
“We don’t know, since my great great grandparents.”
“So why are you only living here for 5 years now?”
“We shifted here, as our lands were taken for new development by the government. Some of us got relocated.”
“Yeah I saw some been relocated to some new brick houses along the streets?”
“Yes, but we don’t want to live there, we don’t have enough space and water. They put 4-5 families in one house with only two rooms, how can you live that way.”
“How about source of income, how do you earn?”
“We can farm here, we sell vegetables at the market, at the new homes they don’t have any jobs, so they are poor and do odd jobs. We are happy living this way.”
“You live with no electricity here, only with petrol fuel cans, is that usual?”
“We have wood fire going on to keep up warm, but if we can afford to buy diesel then we can light it up for light too. of course we will be grateful if we get electricity or solar.”
“I’m sorry if Im asking too much, as I’m want to understand your condition here.”
“It’s ok, we are happy that at least somebody cares to ask us what we want, usually no one cares. I’m just happy I can tell you my story and let it out.”
(A Semai tribe mother)
Living in the traditional Semai bamboo houses, the floor of the house and it’s walls are all made of bamboo.There is a wood fire inside the house to smoke the house and for heat, the walls are made will gaps in between so light can come through during the day, and by night they use petrol fuel in a tin can to light up the house.
With the ‘Give Light’ project, we wish to empower more tribes and under privilege communities living in Malaysia. Support our work here. Give Light
With the ‘Give Light’ project, we wish to empower more tribes and under privilege communities living in Malaysia.
Support our work here. Give Light
