Direct voices and updates from Orang Asli farmers, volunteers, and field coordinators.
At 8:30 in the morning, the OA Organik Processing Centre (PC) stirred to life with birdsong, gibbon calls, and the cheerful laughter of farmers sharing breakfast. This easygoing ‘santai’ moment belied the challenge that lay ahead: replacing the PC’s leaking roof—complicated by th
In today’s fast‑paced world, we often forget that luxury once meant something far simpler. It was not about wealth or possessions, but about freshness, accessibility, and the joy of living in harmony with nature and community. Everyday living was filled with abundance yet modest.
Amran, an indigenous Orang Asli from rural Pahang, Malaysia, grew up depending on traditional village jobs to support his family. His daily routine often involved tapping rubber, cutting oil palm for wages, and taking on other small rural tasks. These jobs provided him with a mod
In rural Pahang, Ibu Semah stands as one of the most respected farmers in her community. As the oldest grower in the village, she is celebrated for her experience and unwavering dedication coupled with her warm and cheerful disposition. Her early involvement in our community ente
Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Natural Farming In the heart of an Orang Asli village in Malaysia, a young changemaker named Rizam embarked on a mission to uplift his community. In July 2025, he personally approached OA Organik to seek assistance in marketing and adviso
7 Years of Grit, Growth, and Leadership Since 2018, Zariu and Nor have been farming with a purpose—not just to feed their family, but to uplift their village. Over seven years, they’ve become pillars of their community rooted in perseverance, cultural pride, and collective streng
Sharil, a quiet and helpful young man from Ganuh village, never imagined his life would take such a transformative turn. Once a kitchen staff in the bustling city, earning twice what he does now, Sharil chose a different path—one rooted in purpose, community, and sustainability.
In January 2025, something extraordinary began took root in Kampung Ganuh—an indigenous community farming project that’s transforming lives and landscapes. More than just a farm, this initiative is a model of sustainable agriculture, regenerative farming, and community empowerm
When Remah first heard about the OA Organik project, she was happily tucked away in the quiet rhythm of her later years—immersed in the joy of nurturing her grandchildren and savouring life on the periphery. Starting an organic farm at home wasn’t on her radar. How could it be? S
Healthcare in Melai has witnessed significant improvement thanks to the introduction of a mobile clinic service operated by Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), according to Amai Maimun, 51. In the past, Melai residents relied on the Klinik Kesiha
Mental health is a universal concern, impacting individuals irrespective of their background or lifestyle. However, perceptions of mental health vary among people, and they encounter distinct challenges in addressing it. Indigenous communities, with their distinctive cultures and
Historically, Orang Asli (OA) communities have grappled with educational disparities, primarily due to geographic isolation and economic disadvantages. For generations, OAs have struggled to access quality education perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limiting employment opportun
Every year on August 31st, the streets burst into life with vibrant parades adorned with intricate floats, featuring schoolchildren and police contingents marching in unity. Across the nation, main roads are temporarily closed to accommodate a grand celebration that proudly showc
Contrary to its name, watersheds or water catchments do not only concern water sources and supply. It is an interconnected system that includes water, land, air, plants, animals and the community it serves. In simpler terms, rain, and groundwater in an area of land bound by hills
In the tightly-knit community of Melai, there is one name that stands out – Fazilah Apong. At just 21 years old, Fazilah is a budding teacher who is educating the next generation of Orang Asli (OA) children in the village. Her dedication to teaching is a beacon of hope for the ch
Once upon a time, Tasik Chini was home to the Naga Seri Gumum, a legendary dragon in Malay folklore. However, today, the lake adorned with floating lotus flowers is slowly losing its water. The once-thriving forests that surrounded it now conceal their secrets, and the once-visib
Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Malaysia, has long been shrouded in mystery due to their unique cultural practices and traditional way of life. This mystery has often given rise to misconceptions and assumptions about the Orang Asli, with many Malaysians having little unders
Every year the monsoon season brings significant challenges and destruction to Orang Asli (OA) communities living in rural Pahang. As the impact of climate change grows, these OA communities have developed coping strategies and techniques through a process of innovation and adapt
The Orang Asli (OA) in Kampung Melai can tell when there is an impending flood. They call it “tagar” when thunder is booming and the forest floor is filled with fallen branches, twigs and leaves. When their instincts are wrong, the OA turn to local shamans or “puyang” to predict
Period poverty refers to women and girls not having adequate access to education about menstruation and sanitary pads, clean water, pain medications, and sanitary products during their period (menstrual cycle). Despite the lack of appropriate data on period poverty in Malaysia
Sondang Erika, 27, is a mother of two. Together with her husband, Ayen, the couple are farmers with OA Organik in Kampung OA Melai, Pahang. Sondang worked as a small-scale rubber tapper before becoming a full-time farmer, and at one point, both husband and wife worked as security
FLOOD RELIEF TO KAMPUNG OA TEMELONG, KARAK, PAHANG (TEMELONG INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ VILLAGE) 10th January 2022 The recent flood has been devastating to the OA Temuan (Temuan indigenous peoples) in Kampung Telemong (Temelong Village) near Karak, Pahang with their houses being destroy
Bern got involved with OA Organik when his dad asked him to come home to help at the farm. Dad Ali was one of the pioneering farmers. Bern found farming interesting, so he quit his job at Kg Sungai Soi. That was in 2017, soon after the OA Organik farm started in Kg Ulu Gumum […]
The efforts and achievements of Yayasan Kajian dan Pembangunan Masyarakat (YKPM) and the Jakun community at Kg Ulu Gumum and Kg Melai have recently received international recognition. On May 12, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bestowed YKPM the 𝙍𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣
As he laboured to breathe, Pak Samah asked for his JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia) form. It was his application to the Welfare Department for social aid. He clutched his JKM form as if he wanted to ensure he could submit it to support his aging wife, Masenah. Pak Samah passed aw
OA Organik celebrated its 5th anniversary in December 2020! Let’s trace some significant milestones…. Putting their hands to the plough In December 2015, 14 Orang Asli at Kg Ulu Gumum – Zariu, Nor, Masenah, Beriyah, Alus, Samar, Wan, Rogayah, Ali, Din, Razif, Nordin and Ghafar –
Zariu and Nor, husband-wife team, have been with the OA Organik farm at Kg Ulu Gumum right from the beginning – December 2015. They are the new generation of Orang Asli with determination and vision to take on the challenges of globalisation and the market economy. In February 20
Currently, there are 48 Orang Asli (OA) farmers at the OA Organik farm, an increase from 36 farmers (at the end of 2019). And the number is growing! In the past, each household earned an average total income of RM500 per month from combined income sources of rubber-tapping, palm
Leadership training is conducted regularly for the Orang Asli farmers at Kg Ulu Gumum to empower them to be self-sustaining and to conserve their environment. We now witness maturing leadership amongst the Orang Asli since the OA Organics farm first started in December 2015. This
We see growing leadership amongst the orang asli farmers at Kg Ulu Gumum. Not only are they sharing their vision with the larger OA community – with Kg Melai, specifically – they are also mentoring those who wish to replicate the current farm model. In May 2019 when Zariu and Nor
The Orang Asli are the natural guardians of the forest. They have a beautiful culture of partnership between people and the forest, nurturing and protecting the forest, and taking from it only what they need daily. But modernisation – irresponsible logging and the imposition of t
Two indicators of genuine transformation are ownership and self-development. We see these, not just in the Orang Asli farmers at Kg Ulu Gumum where the OA Organics eco-farm project is, but a group of Orang Asli at Kg Melai. At Kg Ulu Gumum, there are now 32 farmers! The success o
The Orang Asli farmers of Kg Ulu Gumum will be showcased in an exhibition in New York! The eco-farm has been selected to represent Asia at the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues (22 April – 3 May 2019). The Forum, established in 2000, is mandated to deal with in
Behind the OA Organics farm produce you see at three Jaya Grocer outlets, two Ps continue to enhance this process of building sustainable livelihoods for the farmers: Planet-friendly and People-centred. To protect the environment, the young Orang Asli are being educated to stay c
In the last few months, we witness the development of new mini farms in Kg Ulu Gumum! Being inspired by the success of the OA Organic farmers, a few orang asli in the village took the initiative to develop their own farms, using their own resources. Zariu and Burn, our farmers, h
Let’s get to know one of our farmers, Manan, a hardworking and progressive man in his early 30s. His life-story is typical of the plights of many orang asli who want to provide a better future for their family. Prior to joining the OA Organics farm in August 2017, Manan worked f
It was a month of expansion! It all started in mid-July when we had a good problem: the farmers were producing a surplus of 30kg per harvest but the Kuantan market could not absorb the increase in production. Jaya Grocer, who has adopted OA Oganics as their CSR project, steppe
June was an eventful month of gains for the farmers at OA Organics. Firstly, it was a month of personal triumph as the farmers surpassed the RM800 income mark! In March, a compost specialist identified that the soil at the farm possibly comprised 60% sand which could not retain
In March 2018, Mr Piotr Frąckowiak, a young Polish residing in Germany and on a gap year before starting university this September, volunteered four weeks at the farm. Piotr described his time at the village as a “life-changing, unbelievable, and unforgettable experience of bein
There’s an exciting income generation project going on at the village – a home-stay project! After two years of planning with the OA who are involved in the project, including the design of the home-stay, building works commenced in January 2018. From a grove of rubber trees ful
The month of April brought the Orang Asli farmers new team members as well as an opportunity to learn beyond their farm.Let’s say hello to three new joiners – Maslinda, Asanah and Efarinda who are in their early 20s. Prior to this, they were earning RM300 – RM500 from oil palms a
OA Organics welcomes young people to volunteer on a sustained basis. Ms Tan Xin Wei stayed in the village for 2.5 months upon graduation with a Bachelor in International Business. Here is an excerpt of her stint at Kg Ulu Gumum from June – August 2017. When I set foot in the vi
There was much to cheer about in Kg Ulu Gumum in March 2018, thanks to our funders and volunteers. The village was plagued with not having safe drinking water for months. But with the funds provided by Vivastar Rotary Club and Rosche, we saw the fruition of the long awaited wate
It has been six months since we last blogged, and we are back! Much has actually happened during this period of ‘inactivity’ on our blogs. Let us share a few significant events. On 11 October 2017, Zairu and Manan arranged their farm produce on the organic vegetables shelves a
We heave a huge sigh of relief as the persistent water problem at the farm has been largely resolved. The irrigation at the farm is now improved with the installation of one-way valves to ensure water is delivered smoothly to the water tanks. The pumps are working well, and wate
It was an exciting weekend both at the farm and the village. Gamuda Berhad, with a volunteer force of 30 staff members came to build another greenhouse for the farm. This greenhouse, measuring 50′ x 24′ is an improved version of the earlier two units. The new greenhouse is a tre
Facing challenges are all in a day’s work in managing the farm and people – some steps forward, some steps backwards. These two weeks we walked backward. In our blog “Fresh Faces (22-27 May 2017)”, we shared our delight in having four young Orang Asli men joining the farm on a t
We continue to clear hurdles at the farm. The Orang Asli farmers have now learned how to grow 15 types of crops. Farm planting spaces have increased to 1.4 acres, and there is an operational greenhouse. Farm yields increased to RM9,000 in May from RM4,000 in February. We are st
There is an urgent need to understand the mindset of the Orang Asli in moving forward… Some young people have come to join the farm as contract workers. However, many are not catching the vision of owning their own farm. We made these observations: We ask these questions: Youn
There is a fresh wind of hope blowing with four young Orang Asli men joining the farm on a training-cum-work programme. Suhaimi (27), Zamri (27), Haikal (17) and Panjang (15) aspire to start an organic farm of their own. Currently, these young men are paid an allowance of RM600
There are eight Orang Asli farmers at the OA Organics farm. Out of this, six are women – the backbone of the farm since its inception in November 2016. These women juggle working on the farm and managing their family, but minus the modern gadgets we enjoy. After a day of back-
It was the week the farm received a new solar system! This is another step forward towards using renewable energy source that is sustainable and inexhaustible (where budget permits) to the farm. The Orang Asli farmers were keen to learn how to install the new system, and they d
OA Organics is People-oriented and Planet-friendly. People-oriented – the consumers, the farmers OA Organics believes in eating healthily and strives to make farm produce affordable for all, through direct purchase from the farm. We aim to provide buyers: The Orang Asli farmers’
Exciting news at the farm this week and ahead! The orang asli farmers harvested the first batch of leafy vegetables planted in the greenhouse built by Gamuda Berhad! There were green Pak Choy and Choy Sum in that batch. They are beaming with pride for successfully growing leafy g
It was a week of new realms. Our Orang Asli farmers hosted two young indigenous Penan men from Sarawak for five days. The two young men were eager to learn our organic farming concept and methods for they wish to be trainers in the future to empower their fellow natives to be pro
We are sowing, investing and partnering in the dream of the Orang Asli to be self-sustaining professional farmers. 18 months since this community farm started, our newbies are gaining grounds. Harvest is on the increase – from 55kgs on Monday to 75kgs on Wednesday and to 90kgs o
Let’s celebrate with our OA farmers the mini milestone they have achieved at the farm! Come to think of it, it’s actually quite a huge milestone! We share their happiness that the many months of sheer hard work – long hours, heavy physical work and low income – are now bearing fr
An exciting week of countdown it was at the farm! The greenhouse is up and running! The OA farmers are deeply satisfied and excited to see the fruit of their laborious work. Just look at the rows of greens!!! Are you counting the days to having more variety of leafy vegetables?
It was a week of final touches! After a couple of months of fitting up Greenhouse 1 built by Gamuda, the week saw final touches to the greenhouse – installing ventilator, tightening piping and fittings, fixing leaks and completing test run. Hooray! The greenhouse plants can now b
Supporters of OA Organics sometimes wonder why they are yet to get different types of vegetables regularly. This week you get to see just how much the farmers are doing daily and how much both the farm and the Orang Asli farmers have grown and changed! Kale, sweet corns, pumpkin
It was a week of high gears! The OA farmers stepped up on the gears to charge, more confidently, towards planting vegetables in the two greenhouses built by Gamuda. The women farmers were very busy with the groundwork of seeding and germinating leafy greens. The process is tediou
The Orang Asli farmers worked throughout the Chinese New Year holidays while the rest of us enjoyed the break. But it was a week of “ups” for the farmers. It was a week we witnessed ownership and leadership! The farmers collectively decided they would skip the CNY break to catch
We started the week worried that vegetable sales would be poor as many buyers closed their kitchen for Chinese New Year. But it turned out to be a week of many blessings! Blessing One: A number of people generously bought RM150-RM200 farm produce to share with relatives/friends
Mission Statement ~ Making business work for the poor OA ORGANICS aims to provide quality organically grown produce at affordable prices. We strive to ensure that small producers obtain a fair share of the value chain in environmentally friendly ways, and consumers get chemical
It was a week of hands-on training and continuing farm development. When the farm started a year ago, the Orang Asli had no farming nor team work experience. It was a steep learning curve from Day 1. To empower them towards being professional farmers, a series of workshops are pl
There are 12 types of vegetables growing at any one time in the farm now. Also, the farm is picking up in its yield: 80kg of vegetables were harvested every two days in May and this is a jump from 40kg in February. This is commendable growth, but yield is still off the target f
It was a week of high notes! The only dampener to the week is the ongoing irrigation problem. Manual watering is currently being used and a more permanent solution needs to be found.
The farm greets 2017 with a number of developments. We are now moving at a fast pace to make up for time lost during the holiday season! Mulching of all the plots, using both temporary plastic and natural mulch, were completed. The store room and nursery were spring cleaned, and
After the Christmas break, we were back to the grind again! We started the week by showering gifts on our six women farmers who have been working tirelessly to develop the farm to ensure regular vegetable supplies, and managing their household chores manually. They were thrilled
70 kg of four angle beans in one harvest – what a bumper crop! The OA were excited by the amount of four angle beans harvested this week. The last bumper crops were a few months ago from our brinjals. Although we welcome bumper crops, it is a challenge marketing a large amount o
Fertilization is a crucial part of farming. Knowing each type of fertiliser and its importance, and understanding application rates and dilution rates allow the OA farmers to be self-sustainable. This week, our OA farmers learned how to make Fish Emulsion Fertiliser. Fish emuls
This was a week of both ups and downs. The rain was a welcome relief. The farm has been facing irrigation problems for many months now [pic 1]. A portable water tank and pump is being used until the irrigation system can be replaced in January/February 2017. The rainy season re
This week, a group of Penan students visited the farm to learn more about organic/sustainable agriculture. Nor, one of our women farmers, conducted the educational farm tour and explained the processes used on the farm. It was great watching the sense of pride shown by our OA as
Two greenhouses on the farm! Under their “Design & Build CSR Project”, 26 Gamuda Berhad staff worked very hard over two days to build two units of greenhouse on the farm. Our heartfelt gratitude to Gamuda for giving the poorest of the poor community 5-star greenhouses that only t