The Orang Asli (OA) (Indigenous People) Trail Run 2012 was held for the second year at kampung 16, Jalan Bentong Lama (GPS coordiates: 3.325979, 101.754792) by the Running For Orang Asli support group. We all run for various reasons but the noble objectives of the organiser for the Orang Asli Trail Run was heart warming. This year, the purpose of the run was primarily for:
1. For Kg Batu 14, Jalan Bentong Lama, a piece of the OA land is being cultivated to be a showcase of OA houses and huts for community centers exemplifying the lifestyle and culture of OA. The intention for this center is to create an eco tourism business for the villagers as extra income whilst maintaining their heritage. This is a sustainable project that the Running for Orang Asli group would like to assist. Reasons to which why they are yet to a obtain government grants will be made known in the event.
Although the CHIEF'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP (COBC) Community run merely for fitness and health but we were all in support for the cause of the support group to raise fund for the betterment of the indigenous people. In fact, our COBC recruit May Lyn Wong had even registered herself as a volunteer for the group. In an army of more a few dozens pax, we convoyed to the OA basecamp.
1. For Kg Batu 14, Jalan Bentong Lama, a piece of the OA land is being cultivated to be a showcase of OA houses and huts for community centers exemplifying the lifestyle and culture of OA. The intention for this center is to create an eco tourism business for the villagers as extra income whilst maintaining their heritage. This is a sustainable project that the Running for Orang Asli group would like to assist. Reasons to which why they are yet to a obtain government grants will be made known in the event.
2. For Kg Batu 16, Jalan Bentong Lama, this event is created to give an avenue for them to earn extra income by providing the venue for the run, volunteers as marshalls and guides, and for cooking some OA dishes. The OA too would prefer to work for their income rather than be always dependant on donations.