Solar Initiative Brings Electricity To Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong

GOMBAK, July 6 (Bernama) -- After more than seven years without electricity, five Orang Asli families in Kampung Bukit Lagong here can finally breathe a sigh of relief as their homes are now powered by solar energy.

The solar installation, provided free of charge, was an initiative by the Hawariyyun Welfare Association in collaboration with the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Arshad Ayub Graduate Business School (AAGBS) to provide the community with clean and sustainable energy.

AAGBS Dean Prof Dr Norzanah Mat Nor said the initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the villagers and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

“This benefits especially those living in remote areas with limited access to electricity. Insya-Allah, we plan to continue this effort to help more underserved communities,” she told Bernama after officiating the Solar Power Outreach Programme at Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong here today.

The programme also featured talks on solar energy awareness, free health screenings and the distribution of food aid to 100 families.

AAGBS senior lecturer Dr Sharizan Sharkawi said the programme was initiated by students under the Leadership and Managing Talent subject, who successfully mobilised various parties to provide sustainable energy solutions and welfare aid to the Orang Asli community.

“The installation, which began on June 21, took about two weeks to complete. So far, five homes have been equipped with solar panels.

“We hope to extend the project to 10 more homes, subject to funding,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Lagong village head Muhammad Asran Tepus said the village, established in 2018, has never had access to electricity, with residents relying on oil lamps and kerosene lights.

“We are grateful for the solar installations, but some homes still lack power due to their remote location. We hope further efforts to help them will be made easier,” he said.

Hawariyyun Welfare Association chairman Al-Ikhwan Rahmatullah said the association will fund further installations for homes still without electricity.

“There are three more homes still relying entirely on kerosene lamps. We will work with the Solar Research Institute at UiTM to install solar systems for them soon,” he said.

-- BERNAMA