November 2025

By Mohamad Suhaizi Suhaimi Muar – Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Panjang in Bukit Kepong, Muar is home to approximately 180 residents from the Jakun tribe. The village is surrounded by hills and forests that remain well-preserved from rapid development. Despite this, the village is easily accessible due to its good road network and its proximity to nearby Malay villages. Most of the villagers are self-employed, engaging in activities such as selling fruits and small-scale farming. However, it was found that their confidence in communicating with others and their awareness of cultural heritage are at a low level. They are still shy when speaking to people outside of their own community. In addition, traditional games such as Kercang are no longer played among the villagers. This situation could affect the eco-tourism potential of the village, which in fact has great prospects to become an important source of income for the community. Therefore, a research team led by Dr. Mohamad Suhaizi Suhaimi took the initiative to enhance communication confidence and to instill appreciation for the heritage of the Orang Asli themselves. Together with students from IIUM, he has shown strong commitment toward realizing this noble objective. A Communication Workshop was conducted, introducing participants to basic conversation skills and proper body language in communication. The participants consisted of adult women and schoolchildren. They demonstrated positive interest in improving their confidence to speak more assuredly in public. Participants interacting in the Communication Workshop In addition, the research team also organized a Kercang game workshop to increase the villagers’ understanding of this unique heritage. Kercang consists of six types: Kercang Pasung, Kercang Kahwin, Kercang Tipah Tertipu, Kercang Dua Lubang, Kercang Gunting,and Kercang Wau. Participants appeared to appreciate this indigenous heritage more deeply and showed great enthusiasm in learning how the game is played. Participants trying out the Kercang game Thus, it is hoped that such initiatives can continue to ensure the sustainability of the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. Support from all parties, including the Government and Private Organizations, is crucial in ensuring that this unique heritage can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.