KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar brought joy to the family of an Orang Asli fisherman today when he gifted them with a new engine-powered boat.
Septuagenarian Lad Bachik, who hails from Kampung Orang Asli Kuala Masai in Johor Baru is still actively fishing to earn a honest living for her family.
The 70-year-old and her son Michael Chelvaraj, 31, received the 15 horsepower boat from Sultan Ibrahim today.
"We appreciate His Majesty's gift. Indeed, this gift has a great meaning for us to find our 'rezeki' in the sea.
"For almost eight years, my mother and I took turns rowing our boat.
"Even though she is old, she still goes to the sea with me," said Michael to the Royal Press Office (RPO) today.
Michael said the Johor ruler is close to the Orang Asli community in the state.
"His Majesty always cares about the welfare of the people, especially the Orang Asli, and grants various forms of assistance.
"During the Covid-19 pandemic, many fishermen were unable to go to sea, but His Majesty provided food aid to the people in various areas to ease their burden," he said.
The Sultan of Johor places great emphasis on the welfare of the people, including the Orang Asli community and the fishermen.
In 2020, His Majesty gifted five boat engines to fishermen from Pulau Aur, Mersing.
Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor also delivers food aid from time to time to the needy throughout the district.