Following the recent festivities of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, The Asli Co. takes this opportunity to shift the attention toward the often-underappreciated champions within the Orang Asli communities. Amidst the backdrop of swift development and advancement, these determined women remain steadfast as the unwavering foundations for their families.
Preserving The Significance Of Orang Asli Culture In Malaysia’s Multicultural Progress
Image via The Asli Co.
The Orang Asli communities have an enduring place in the vibrant cultural fabric of Malaysia, warranting a significant role in our nation’s vision of progress and multiculturalism. While Malaysia’s urban landscape undergoes remarkable transformations, it is of utmost importance that we remain steadfast in recognizing the crucial significance of social inclusion and empowerment, particularly for the Orang Asli communities.
Even in the present day, the Orang Asli community grapples with socio-economic disparities, with many still lacking access to essential services, including education and economic opportunities. The challenge before us is to ensure that the benefits of development reach every segment of society, including indigenous communities, thereby paving the path for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Empowering Orang Asli Women Through Meaningful Employment With The Asli Co.
Image via The Asli Co.
A potent strategy for narrowing the gap and uplifting disadvantaged women within the Orang Asli communities involves providing them with opportunities for meaningful employment.
A notable pioneer in this endeavor is The Asli Co., which was established in 2019 with a mission to extend opportunities to Orang Asli women to craft and market products such as face masks, soaps, lavender eye pillows, hand sanitizers, and more. This not only enables them to secure a livelihood and support their families but also guarantees access to education for their children.
At present, The Asli Co. collaborates with more than 60 mothers from the Orang Asli communities, disbursing over RM1.5 million to cover the costs of raw materials, equipment, and wages. This initiative serves as a pathway for Orang Asli mothers to acquire new skills and aspire to a better life for themselves and their families.
Rosnina binti Roslan: Crafting A Brighter Tomorrow
Allow us to introduce you to Nina, a determined mother of three originating from Kampung Orang Asli Serendah, a part of the Temuan tribe. Nina’s association with The Asli Co. commenced when her sister, Zulaika, enrolled in The Asli Co.’s sewing workshop in 2020 and encouraged Nina to join. This pivotal decision marked the commencement of a remarkable transformation in Nina’s life, propelling her into the world of sewing and self-discovery.
Today, Nina has become a skilled artisan, meticulously fashioning Lavender Eye Pillows, Tummy Pillows, Scrunchies, and Fabric Face Masks. Her journey not only entailed mastering the art of machine sewing but also witnessed a remarkable boost in her self-assurance, enabling her to confidently engage with people beyond her village.
Nina’s face beams with joy as she speaks about her work.
I’m very happy that I’m now very skilled at sewing these products.
Rosnina binti Roslan
The flexible work hours enable her to effectively balance her responsibilities as a mother of three young children, all under the age of five. She further stated:
Most importantly, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute significantly to my family’s finances through a stable income. The flexibility in my work arrangement is a great advantage.
Rosnina binti Roslan
Nina’s narrative serves as a testament to the transformative influence of providing meaningful employment and upskilling opportunities to women within the Orang Asli communities. As she sews for a brighter future, she not only supports her family but also exemplifies the untapped potential inherent in every Orang Asli woman.
Noremely binti Angah: From Crafting Soap To Financial Self-Sufficiency
Meet Noremely, an exceptional soap artisan hailing from Kampung Orang Asli Desa Temuan, affiliated with The Asli Co. Prior to her association with The Asli Co., Noremely and her family faced numerous financial challenges. She recollects,
Sometimes, in the middle of the month, if there was no extra money, we would only eat vegetables grown in the backyard. There were also times when I was unable to provide an allowance for the children so I would prepare biscuits or bread for them to bring to school instead.
Noremely binti Angah
The presence of The Asli Co. has brought about profound positive changes in Noremely’s life. Now, she can secure a stable income for her family, ensuring there is ample food on the table and a slight increase in school-related expenses. She further said:
I am happy that with The Asli Co., I can also help my husband generate income to pay bills and buy daily household needs.
Noremely binti Angah
As a mother, Noremely takes pride in her ability to cater to her children’s needs and desires. Her journey serves as an inspiration to other Orang Asli mothers, illuminating the path toward enhancing their family’s standard of living through meaningful employment and economic empowerment.
These narratives of transformation underscore how women who once grappled with financial hardships have now emerged as empowered entrepreneurs. They are not only making substantial contributions to their households but also fostering a profound sense of pride and self-sufficiency.
These extraordinary individuals have embarked on a journey that allows them to provide their families with an improved quality of life and ensure their children receive the education they rightfully deserve. Their success reverberates positively, extending beyond their homes and enriching communities, affirming that enduring change is indeed attainable.
