RYTHM Foundation is set to launch a new initiative this month to empower the Orang Asli Jakun community in Kampung Bukit Panjang, Muar, Johor. Collaborating with lecturers and students from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the project aims to enhance the community’s digital communication skills and eco-tourism opportunities while preserving its cultural heritage.
Several workshops will be introduced to equip villagers with valuable skills. A Sewang workshop will establish a traditional dance group to preserve the Jakun heritage and deepen cultural understanding. A Kercang training will teach Orang Asli children traditional games, fostering cultural continuity.
Others include a digital communication workshop to train a team of tourist guides to improve their communication skills, while a tourism workshop will help establish a financial team to manage tourism packages and boost income opportunities.
During a recent due diligence visit, RYTHM and IIUM representatives toured the village and met with local leaders to discuss the project’s details. They explored key community facilities, including a prayer hall, kindergarten, and community hall. They identified ways to develop tourism-based enterprises, such as training villagers as hiking guides for Bukit Panjang and strengthening traditional mat-weaving businesses.
Beyond economic empowerment, the initiative will also address critical social challenges, including low education levels and high school dropout rates, which remain persistent issues for the Jakun people.
Sustainability for the Orang Asli Jakun
Limited access to quality education, financial constraints, and a lack of resources often prevent children from completing their studies. The project seeks to build on grassroots efforts, such as those of a Jakun community member currently pursuing a Diploma in Early Education, who voluntarily teaches local children literacy and numeracy skills during her visits home.
The Head of RYTHM Foundation, Santhi Periasamy, emphasised the initiative’s long-term impact: “This project is more than just skill-building—it’s about empowering this Jakun community to take charge of their future.
“By strengthening their ability to communicate, manage tourism, and preserve their heritage, we are helping them create sustainable opportunities that will benefit future generations.”
Running for a year until February 2026, the programme will directly benefit 35 adults and children, equipping them with essential skills in digital communication, tourism management, and sustainable cultural practices. The workshops and training sessions will be rolled out over the coming months, paving the way for a more self-sufficient and resilient Jakun community.
This latest initiative with the Orang Asli community is part of RYTHM Foundation’s Indigenous People’s Development Programme (INDEP) and falls under the Community Adoption Programme (CAP). While CAP focuses on long-term socio-economic empowerment, this project is a short-term initiative to support the community’s immediate needs and development.
