Communities in Malaysia, including the Orang Asli, are taking steps to move away from reliance on big corporations by creating job opportunities for their members while preserving and promoting their rich culture and history. These efforts are not only sustainable but also promote the circular economy, showing that economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental conservation.
One such community is the Klebang Selatan Residents‘ Association in Ipoh, which has established a cassava chips processing facility in collaboration with the Global Environment Centre (GEC). With financial support from the Hasanah Special Grant 2020 (HSG2020) and the Finance Ministry, the association focuses on planting cassava sustainably to support the livelihoods of their residents. They have also adopted a nearby river, ensuring its cleanliness and protection.
To water the cassava plants, the association uses a smart irrigation system powered by renewable energy, reducing electricity usage and promoting eco-friendly practices. The processing facility employs about 20 people, mostly women and the elderly, who handle tasks such as washing, peeling, slicing, frying, flavoring, and packaging the cassava chips. The association ensures that the workers receive the majority of the earnings, empowering them economically.
In addition to cassava chips, the community garden has expanded to include other crops like chillies, okra, winged beans, and sugarcane, which are sold as „Ayer Tebu Manthol“ and coconut drinks. Through the support of HSG2021, the association has further improved the center and implemented urban farming projects, setting an example for other urban community initiatives.
Another community making strides in sustainable practices is the Taman Chemor Idaman Residents‘ Association, which has developed a community garden and engaged in hydroponic farming while caring for the Kuang River. By harvesting crops for daily use and selling produce at reasonable prices, the community not only supports its members but also promotes sustainable farming practices.
The River Care program by GEC aims to empower communities by teaching them about sustainable practices and the interconnectedness of rivers and oceans. By promoting the 4R 2C approach (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Compost, and Close the loop), the program encourages communities to adopt circular economy principles and reduce waste pollution in water bodies.
In the Sungai Tonggang Orang Asli village, the Temiar community has been empowered to run an ecotourism project called Kayuh D‘ Tonggang, showcasing their culture and promoting sustainable tourism around the Seno’oi river. With support from various organizations and funding sources, the community offers activities like river monitoring, cultural showcases, mountain biking, blowpipe demonstrations, and educational programs on ecology and river conservation.
Overall, these community-led initiatives demonstrate the potential for economic growth and environmental conservation to go hand in hand. By creating job opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable practices, communities in Malaysia are paving the way for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future.