Since 2015, PPB has been committed to supporting Malaysia’s indigenous communities, the Orang Asli, by addressing their most pressing needs: access to clean water, sanitation facilities, electricity, and proper shelter. We believe in empowering communities to take ownership of their well-being, and under our sponsorship, PPB provides the necessary materials while the communities contribute the labour.
In collaboration with the Assumption Orang Asli Ministry, our initial efforts focused on water and sanitation. PPB sponsored the construction of wells for Jakun Orang Asli communities in areas such as Simpai and Tasik Cini, Pahang, where families previously travelled long distances for water. As these wells attracted more families to settle nearby, we progressed to sponsoring private bathroom units, complete with septic tanks, to safeguard privacy and promote hygiene. Over the years, this partnership has expanded to support numerous villages across Pahang with wells and sanitation facilities, each including a toilet, bathroom, and washbasin; improving daily living conditions.
In other regions, such as Gerik, Perak, PPB supported the building of higher dams and piping systems for easier access to water from streams, and sponsored solar panel installations to provide electricity.
Alongside water and sanitation, PPB has supported sustainable farming initiatives. In 2022, in partnership with Yayasan Kajian dan Pembangunan Masyarakat (YKPM), we helped four villagers from Kampung Keruing, Pekan, to establish a fruit orchard on several acres of land. PPB contributed to land clearing, irrigation, water storage, and the construction of a basic processing centre, enabling the planting of durian, guava, banana, and vegetables. This eco-farming initiative aims to uplift livelihoods while helping to protect the local peatland environment.
In 2024, PPB collaborated with Persatuan Komuniti Elite to provide job apprenticeships and training in sustainable chicken farming to orang asli youth. The project equips the youth with essential farming skills to generate income and achieve self-sufficiency. The training includes a six-month hands-on training programme, covering animal care, breeding, feeding, and farm management. The programme also includes basic entrepreneurial and marketing training to enable them to successfully run their poultry businesses.
Separately, in response to drought challenges faced by small-scale farmers near Tasik Chini, PPB provided water tanks, pumps, and farming tools to help secure water supply for their crops.
Education has also been a key focus. In 2019, PPB sponsored 20 youths from Orang Asli settlements in Perak and Kedah to attend a 12-month skills programme run by SOLS Foundation, an international NGO dedicated to educating underserved communities. The curriculum included English, mathematics, IT training, solar system installation, and personal development, equipping participants with practical skills for the workforce.
In addition to infrastructure and education, PPB recognises that health is a fundamental pillar of community well-being. For the Orang Asli community, healthcare can often be a secondary concern due to financial constraints and limited access to healthcare information. To bridge this gap, PPB has been partnering with medical practitioners and NGOs since 2023, to enhance access to medical screenings in the local communities. This programme has provided medical screenings for 652 adults and 300 children, in addition to dental services and awareness on nutrition.
Through sustainable water, sanitation and farming support, we are not just investing in infrastructure, we are investing in dignity, health and opportunity. Together with the orang asli communities, we are building a foundation for lasting well-being and shared prosperity.