By Radzuan Ghazali
Photo Abdul Raai Osman

BANGI, 5 July 2016 – The University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) pledged to always help the aboriginal community in improving the quality of their educations up to the tertiary education level.

This was voiced by UKM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Prof Datuk Ir Dr Riza Atiq Abdullah OK Rahmat at a breaking fast ceremony with the residents of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Buah, Dengkil recently.

Also present was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students and Alumni Affairs), Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Partnerships), Prof Datuk Dr Imran Ho Abdullah, Director of Centre for Community Transformation – UCTC, Associate Prof Datuk Dr Rokiah Omar, Sungai Buah Village Head, Ahmad Sanusi Salleh and Chairman of Orang Asli Village Sungai Buah, Julia Bait.

Prof Datuk Ir Riza said, besides education, UKM will also assist in the land and water issues for the convenience of the community.

‘This is important for them for they should benefit the facilities such mush as the Malay community in the village, he said.

About 37 aboriginal families, comprising of 144 people, reside in Sungai Buah.

In conjuction with the ceremony, each family received donations which consists of a bag of rice and cash.

The Breaking Fast Ceremony Project was organized by UCTC UKM in collaboration with Zakat Centre and Bursar UKM.