Shufiyan Shukur
The Social Hero Foundation (SHF) recently spearheaded a transformative ‘gotong royong’ programme in the Orang Asli Seletar community of Kampung Pasir Salam.
This initiative, held in conjunction with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, brought together volunteers, villagers, and various organisations in a collective effort to enhance environmental sustainability and community well-being.
SHF, known for its dedication to social causes and as the organiser of the Iskandar Malaysia Social Hero Awards (IMSHA), collaborated with key partners, including Ihsan Johor, Yayasan Kebajikan Suria, and the Tebrau Parliamentary Service Centre.
The programme not only focused on environmental conservation but also aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Seletar community comes together for a greener future
The event centred around a village-wide cleanup and proper waste disposal, with SHF incorporating innovative sustainability practices throughout.
For instance, plantable Thai basil seeds were embedded in label tag names, and participation certificates were printed on biodegradable paper.
CBH Recycle (M) Sdn Bhd played a pivotal role in educating villagers about waste reduction, recycling, and minimising single-use plastics.
In addition to environmental efforts, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) provided essential emergency preparedness training.
“Our presence here is not just about cleaning up but also equipping the villagers with the skills to respond to emergencies like sudden flooding and fires,” said Datuk Seri Teo Shiok Fu, a member of the SHF Board of Trustees.
Empowering the Seletar Community with essential skills
SHF’s Director of Programmes Farrah Baptist led the volunteers from the KRT PPR Uda Utama alongside 100 villagers in collecting nearly 4 tons of rubbish.
This included debris from a stagnant pond and the Johor River. The APM conducted basic CPR training and fire extinguisher drills, allowing both adults and children to practice fire safety measures.
“The remote location of Kampung Pasir Salam poses significant challenges for emergency response, making this training crucial,” Farrah noted.
The village, located at the end of a palm oil plantation and bordered by the Johor River, is 11 kilometres from Ulu Tiram town, with access complicated by frequent flooding and rough terrain.
Village head Tok Batin Lailie bin Lie expressed his gratitude, emphasising the programme’s importance in addressing the community’s struggles, particularly the lack of consistent drinking water and rubbish collection services.
“Programmes like today help us better care for our environment and share our challenges with others,” he said.
The two-day cleanup initiative resulted in the collection of 3.7 tonnes of rubbish, including 300 kilogrammes of plastic bottles, 100 kilogrammes of aluminium cans, and 30 kilogrammes of other aluminium items.
Through CBH Recycle’s Trash to Cash programme, approximately 400 kilogrammes of recyclable items will be converted into income for the community.
The event also provided a much-needed treat for the villagers.
In addition to lunch provided by Persatuan Kebajikan Pelangi Ulu Tiram, fresh fish, vegetables, chillies, and pineapples were distributed, contributed by Yayasan Kebajikan Suria and Ihsan Johor, with the support of a food rescue organisation.
SHF’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment continues to make a positive impact on the lives of the Seletar community in Kampung Pasir Salam.
By addressing immediate needs and equipping villagers with essential skills, the foundation is fostering long-term resilience and well-being.
CJMY
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