An initiative to empower Orang Asli Community to protect their water resources and preservation of cultural heritage by KUASA
Background
Indigenous Orang Asli communities living along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range face persistent challenges arising from unsustainable development. These challenges were identified through a series of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) workshops conducted with the communities. Land encroachment and uncontrolled logging have led to the destruction of customary lands, directly impacting traditional livelihoods and degrading vital ecosystems. Upstream activities such as logging and infrastructure development have also polluted river systems, which remain the primary sources of drinking water, bathing, and fishing for many villages. In addition, riverbanks have been severely affected by erosion and sedimentation, further threatening water security and environmental stability. Limited access to healthcare and education continues to affect the overall well-being of Orang Asli communities, contributing to poor health outcomes and uneven literacy levels. These challenges are compounded by the lack of formal recognition and documentation of cultural sites and community-built water infrastructure, such as mini dams, leaving them vulnerable to encroachment and unsustainable development. Unregulated tourism has further contributed to environmental degradation and cultural insensitivity, placing additional strain on traditional ways of life.
JEJAK – An initiative by KUASA
Jelajah Ekologi, Jati Diri, Air dan Kebudayaan (JEJAK) is an initiative by KUASA to address these interconnected challenges through a community-led documentation and empowerment approach, currently focusing in four different villages in Perak : Kampung Kerawat (Simpang Pulai), Kampung Kajang (Sungai Siput), Kampung Ulu Geroh (Gopeng) and Kampung Chiong (Gerik). A central aim of the programme is to nurture capable Orang Asli youth leaders who are confident in leading environmental initiatives and advocating for the protection of ancestral lands and natural resources. By actively engaging with traditional knowledge holders and recording cultural practices, the programme contributes to the preservation and intergenerational transmission of Orang Asli cultural heritage. A key long-term outcome of JEJAK is the protection of clean and sustainable water sources. Through structured documentation and formal gazettement, communities are better equipped to safeguard their water resources and defend their territories from environmentally harmful development projects. In doing so, the programme promotes environmental stewardship while strengthening community resilience.
Community-Based Documentation and Legal Protection
JEJAK focuses on the documentation of key water sources for gazettement under Section 10 of the National Forestry Act 1984 or the Perak State Water Resources Enactment 2023. Legal recognition under these frameworks is essential for ensuring long-term protection against threats such as logging, quarrying, and unsustainable infrastructure development. Beyond water resources, the programme also documents traditional medicinal knowledge, village histories, and the socio-economic activities of Orang Asli communities. Community elders and cultural leaders serve as primary contributors of knowledge, while Orang Asli youth are trained and supported to act as mappers and documenters. This intergenerational approach not only strengthens documentation outcomes but also builds local capacity and ownership over environmental governance.
Water Catchment Area Mapping, Gazettment as Protected Area and Environmental Restoration
Environmental restoration is an integral component of the JEJAK programme, with a particular focus on riparian rehabilitation along degraded riverbanks. Native riparian tree species such as Gapis, Keladan, Kasai, Sungkai, Kelat Nenasi, and others are replanted to stabilise riverbanks, reduce erosion, filter sediment runoff, and protect water catchment areas. These efforts contribute to long-term ecosystem health while reinforcing community stewardship of natural resources. Upon completion of the mapping activities, GPS equipment used during the programme will be retained by KUASA and made available to communities for future documentation and monitoring, ensuring sustainability beyond the programme’s duration.
KUASA conducted a site visit at Kampung Kajang, Sungai Siput, to assess their water catchment and planted suitable riparian vegetation as a part of CSR initiative by Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Strategic Partnerships and Programme Implementation
The programme is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and is carried out across four targeted village zones. Prior to field documentation activities, technical consultations are conducted with key agencies including SPAN, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia, District Offices, and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). These engagements ensure that documentation outputs meet regulatory, technical, and policy requirements. Fieldwork and documentation activities are further supported by Orang Asli youth who have previously participated in the BACA workshops, enabling continuity in skills development and strengthening youth-led action within the communities.
KUASA conducted a technical consultation session with SPAN for the implementation of the JEJAK
Documentation Outputs and Knowledge Products
Following the completion of field activities, the programme enters a post-implementation phase focused on consolidating and publishing documentation outputs. These include draft community territorial maps, cultural and heritage documentation reports, and technical water source reports submitted to SPAN and the Ministry of Health for verification and gazettement. In addition, a curated collection of visual materials such as photographs, videos, and audio recordings is produced to serve as both archival records and advocacy tools.
Public Engagement and Community Advocacy
The programme concludes with public engagement initiatives aimed at amplifying Orang Asli voices and fostering broader awareness. Public presentations and community exhibitions are organised to showcase documentation outcomes, highlight cultural heritage, and communicate environmental challenges faced by the communities. These platforms empower Orang Asli youth to engage directly with external stakeholders, partners, and policymakers, strengthening dialogue and encouraging collective action toward sustainable, inclusive development.
Programme Schedule
The following is the tentative schedule for the programme to be implemented in one village over two (2) days and one (1) night.
Why CSR Partners Matter
CSR partners play a crucial role in empowering Orang Asli communities to protect their land, culture, and water resources. By supporting the JEJAK programme, partners help nurture youth leadership, preserve cultural heritage, and safeguard clean water sources, creating lasting social and environmental impact.
Your support enables communities to document and legally protect vital water sources, restore riverbanks, and promote sustainable environmental practices. It also amplifies the voices of Indigenous youth, connecting grassroots knowledge with policymakers and civil society.
Benefits for Partners
- ESG & SDG Alignment: Contribute to global sustainability goals, including clean water, climate action, and life on land.
- Brand Visibility: Recognition in publications, exhibitions, and media as a champion of Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship.
- Measurable Impact: Directly support protected water sources, restored ecosystems, trained youth leaders, and documented cultural heritage.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities to interact with communities and see the impact of your support firsthand.
Partnering with KUASA is an investment in sustainable development, cultural preservation and youth empowerment. Corporates or agencies interested in supporting this programme are welcome to contact us at hafiz@kuasaperak.org or 010-965 1315 (Hafizudin Nasarudin – Project Director).
