THE Orang Asli communities hold an indelible place in the country's rich cultural tapestry, deserving a prominent role in our nation's vision of progress and multiculturalism. While the urban landscape undergoes impressive transformations, it's imperative that we don't lose sight of the importance of social inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Orang Asli.
To this day, the natives continue to grapple with socio-economic disparities, with many still lacking access to fundamental services, including education and economic opportunities. The challenge is in ensuring that development extends its benefits to all segments of society, especially indigenous communities, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT
One powerful avenue to bridge the gap and uplift the underprivileged women within the Orang Asli communities is by providing them with access to meaningful employment.
One such social enterprise leading the charge is The Asli Co., established in 2019 with a mission to offer Orang Asli women opportunities to create and sell products, such as face masks, soap, lavender-eye pillows, hand sanitisers and more. This not only allows them to earn a living and support their families, but also secures their children's access to education.
Currently, The Asli Co. is collaborating with more than 60 mothers from the Orang Asli and has allocated over RM1.5 million to procure raw materials, equipment and pay wages. This initiative serves as an avenue for the Orang Asli mothers to upskill themselves.
Women who once grappled with financial hardship have now emerged as empowered entrepreneurs. They're not only making significant contributions to their households, but also nurturing a profound sense of pride and self-sufficiency.
These remarkable individuals have embarked on a journey that allows them to provide their families with a better quality of life and ensure their children receive the education they rightfully deserve. Their success has a positive effect that goes well beyond their homes, making communities better and proving that lasting change is possible.
STITCHING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Rosnina Roslan, or better known as Nina, is a resilient mother of three from Kampung Orang Asli Serendah, Selangor. Hailing from the Temuan tribe, Nina's journey with The Asli Co. began when her sister, Zulaika, joined the social enterprise's sewing workshop in 2020 and encouraged her to participate as well. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation in Nina's life, as she ventured into the world of sewing and self-discovery.
Today, Nina is a skilled artisan, meticulously crafting lavender-eye pillows, tummy pillows, scrunchies and fabric face masks. She hasn't only acquired the art of sewing, her confidence has also grown remarkably, allowing her to comfortably interact with people beyond her village.
Her face lights up when she shares how happy she is to have mastered the skill of sewing a range of products. The flexible working hours, meanwhile, allow her to balance her responsibilities as a mother of three young children, all under the age of 5.
Shares Nina with a smile: "I'm very glad that I'm able to help with my family's expenses by earning a good income. The flexible working arrangement is great as it allows me to spend time with my growing children too as I try to make a good living."
Her remarkable story stands as a testament to the life-altering impact of offering meaningful employment and upskilling opportunities to women within the Orang Asli communities. As she sews for a brighter future, Nina not only supports her family, but also embodies the potential within every Orang Asli woman.
FROM CRAFTING SOAP TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
Noremely Angah hails from Kampung Orang Asli Desa Temuan in Selangor. She is a soap artisan at The Asli Co. Before joining the social enterprise, Noremely and her family often faced hardship.
With a wistful smile, she recalls: "Sometimes, in the middle of the month, if there was no extra money, we would only eat vegetables grown in the backyard. There were also times where I wasn't able to provide an allowance for the children, so I'd prepare biscuits or bread for them to bring to school."
Suffice to say, the presence of The Asli Co. has brought significant positive changes to Noremely's life. Now, she's able to earn a stable income for her family, which means that she can ensure that there's enough food on the table and school expenses can also be increased slightly.
Smiling, she says: "I am so happy that I'm also able to help my husband generate income to pay our bills and buy daily household needs. And of course, I can now provide for the needs — and desires — of my children too."
Noremely's journey also serves as an inspiration to other Orang Asli mothers, showing them the way to improve their family's standard of living through meaningful employment and economic empowerment.
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