GUA MUSANG: The efforts of the Orang Asli community of the Temiar tribe to build a homestay in Kampung Dakoh, Pos Balar here are finally paying off.
Built from bamboo and forest wood, the Pulau Manis homestay is meant to reflect the identity of the Orang Asli there as well as create a personal experience and attraction for tourists.
“It was built in a gotong-royong (volunteer) manner by the Temiar community here two years ago,” said Pulau Manis homestay manager Ahmadi Jalil Biyor, 40, reported Bernama.
Over 30 residents from the nearby villages in Pos Balar, namely Kampung Balar Lama, Kampung Dakoh, Kampung Peng and Kampung Tembaga came together to build the homestay, he said.
“The main purpose is to improve our economy at Pos Balar while creating job opportunities for the youths in the village,” he added.
Ahmad Jalil said the homestay would provide visitors with a chance to experience the life and activities of the Orang Asli in Pos Balar.
“For as low as RM20 a day, this place will be in high demand among visitors in no time while making Kampung Dakoh a potential tourist destination for those who want to experience a peaceful and tranquil environment of natural beauty, including clear river water and cool climate,” he said.
Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said the homestay would allow the Orang Asli community to highlight the flora and fauna as well as the uniqueness of the tradition and culture there.
It would also encourage the development of the community’s source of income, he added.
He said over RM40,000 has been spent thus far on development and maintenance works which are carried out at least once every year.
“The homestay not only offers 11 houses for rent, it is also complete with prayer room facilities, agricultural areas and sufficient toilets,” he said.
Mohd Syahbuddin also said that monitoring tasks are carried out by the Orang Asli Development Department, which is responsible to maintain and improve basic facilities in villages around Pos Balar such as providing agricultural sites for Orang Asli to grow MD2 pineapples.