GERIK: Perak State Park Corporation today organised a Merdeka celebration with Orang Asli villagers in the Royal Belum State Park, to ensure that those in remote areas are not left out as the nation celebrates its independence anniversary.
The inaugural programme received overwhelming support from the Orang Asli community in Kampung Aman Damai, who had decorated their homes and village with Jalur Gemilang of various sizes.
Kampung Aman Damai village head Batin Berangin Star, 40, said villagers also assisted the corporation's staff in erecting an arch that was later adorned with Jalur Gemilang.
"We are happy to celebrate Merdeka and hopefully it will be made an annual event for the sake of the younger generation," he said when met at the village here today.
The corporation acting general manager and deputy chairman Noor Asmah Mohd Nawawi said she was proud with the keen interest shown by the Orang Asli villagers towards the first Merdeka programme held in their settlement.
"The children are also eager to join us with many of them waving the national flags while singing the national anthem and Jalur Gemilang song," she said.
Gerik MP Datuk Hasbullah Osman, who launched the programme, lauded the corporation's effort which could help the Orang Asli appreciate the country's independence.
Although various Merdeka celebrations were held for the Orang Asli here before, he said the programmes were mostly organised at resettlement schemes outside of the state park.
He said the village, which is being promoted as a tourism attraction in the state park, has 105 residents from 18 families.