Kuala Nerus – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has brought its Wave Jalur Gemilang campaign to the Orang Asli community at Kampung Sungai Berua. The campaign is being organized this month in conjunction with the coming celebration of 67^th Malaysia’s Independence Day.

The objective of the event was to instil the love for the country and appreciate the sacrifice made by the previous generation that had risked their life seeking independence.

UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof. ChM. Dr. Marinah Mohd Ariffin said UMT organizes many activities during the national month in an effort to promote the spirit of patriotism among the community, particularly the students.

“In addition to meeting and greeting the Orang Asli community at the village, we also distributed Jalur Gemilang and other necessities.

“We also encouraged reading habit among the Orang Asli students through story telling sessions so that they will develop an interest in gaining knowledge”

She said UMT not only focuses on academic matters but is also involved in community activities for mutual benefits.

“Through this kind of programme, we hope to instil proper values and the spirit of patriotism among the Orang Asli community and encourage them to appreciate the importance of knowledge as the basis for community development.

In addition, she said the programme also offered various activities that promoted interactions between UMT community and the Orang Asli community, thus helping to foster a closer relationship between the two parties.

She added that the relationship between UMT and the Semaq Beri tribe at Kg. Sungai Bera has been established since five years ago and knowledge transfer programmes have been conducted.

“We have been aware of the drop-out issues among the Orang Asli children and we have tried to help by setting up the Jungle School through the Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBTPL) in order to encourage the children here to have an interest in learning.

“This is in line with the one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which is SDG 4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all),” she said.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu