HULU LANGAT, June 13 – A community health empowerment programme was successfully conducted in Kuala Pangsun, focusing on enhancing health awareness and promoting healthier lifestyle practices among the Orang Asli community under the UTM Knowledge Transfer Programme – Research Innovation Grant (KTP-RIG). The programme aimed to strengthen knowledge transfer and improve the quality of life among the Orang Asli community through a holistic approach combining science, health education, and community-based empowerment activities.
The initiative focused on strengthening participants’ understanding and encouraging sustainable, healthy behaviours through structured health education sessions. Key areas included personal hygiene, nutrition, self-care practices, and family health management, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning to ensure direct application in daily life.
Throughout the programme, participants, particularly mothers, were actively engaged in interactive activities designed to improve their understanding of health-related practices. These included demonstrations on personal hygiene, preparation of nutritious meals, and effective household health management techniques.
A key feature of the programme was the peer-to-peer knowledge sharing approach, where experienced participants who had previously been exposed to health education played an active role in guiding and mentoring newer participants. This initiative strengthened community participation and ensured continuous knowledge transfer within the group.
During group discussions with Orang Asli mothers, participants shared positive feedback on the programme, stating, “We have been practising a healthy lifestyle since the early sessions, including how we cook and take care of ourselves.”
They further added, “We continue to practice and share it with others. It does not require a lot of money to maintain good health, and it is simple to apply.”
Evaluation findings indicated positive improvements in participants’ knowledge, confidence, and motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles. Many participants also expressed willingness to share their knowledge with other members of the community, further extending the impact of the programme beyond the training sessions.
The programme was led by Ir. Ts. Dr. Norhasnidawani Johari, supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising Prof. Siti Hamidah Mohd Setapar, Dr. Nurul Zainab Along, and Dr. Nabilah Zaini, with additional assistance from Dr. Shahirah Abu Bakar and Dr. Kaiyisah Hanis Mohd Azmi.
The initiative concluded with a closing session highlighting the importance of sustaining healthy lifestyle practices and continuing community-based health education efforts. Organisers expressed hope that the programme would contribute to long-term improvements in wellbeing and quality of life among the Orang Asli community in Kuala Pangsun. Overall, the programme successfully enhanced health awareness and fostered a culture of shared learning, supporting sustainable community development in the region.