By Asmahanim Amir
Pictures by Faculty Economics and Management

BANGI, 25 July 2019 – The Orang Asli community at Kampung Gedung Siam received 10 solar-paneled street lights provided by Cipta Wawasan Maju Engineering Sdn. Bhd (CWM) through their corporate social responsibility in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The solar-paneled street lights were installed by CWM’s technical staff, UKM’s researchers and students.

About 30 Orang Asli youths and adults participated, taking turns to help with digging holes, mixing cement, learning about the wiring and battery of the solar panel unit and hoisting the solar panels to be erected.

The head researcher of the project, Assoc Prof. Dr. Doris Padmini A/P S. Selvaratnam told that the solar lights are very sensitive take approximately three hours to be fully charged in producing light for 12 continuous hours.

“The solar-paneled street lights has the ability to charge in the minimum presence of solar.  This is important for Kampung Gedung Siam especially during the rainy seasons from October to January that has very minimal any sunshine,” she said.

Now, kids going to school can walk in bright lit pathways and be not afraid of being hit by random fast oncoming vehicles, and the same for the adults who walk to shops, work or head towards the rubber/palm-oil trees.

These lights are brighter than their home lights and seem a good place for gathering and have group activities.

Assoc Prof. Dr. Doris Padmini said the project has been successful and she hopes more companies will come forward to help the Orang Asli.

“There are many simple, yet impactful initiatives that can be done through multi-stakeholder engagement for the community.  We at FEP (Faculty of Economics and Management) UKM welcome your contribution and participation in community development in general and specifically for the Orang Asli sustainable well-being,” she added.