Kuala lumpur: Seeing wild elephants in their natural habitat was an awe-inspiring experience that left a lasting impression on participants of the Belum Forest Connect Programme, held from January 26 to 28 at Royal Belum, Gerik.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) manager Zulfadhlan Ahmad Khushairi stated that the programme also raised awareness of the importance of wildlife protection and the conservation of Malaysia's tropical rainforests. The programme has effectively integrated Orang Asli community development, business potential studies, and biodiversity exploration, he mentioned in a statement.
Zulfadhlan highlighted that the programme, jointly organised by PBF and the Faculty of Business Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam, aimed to strengthen ties between higher education institutions and the local community through an experiential learning approach. Participants not only learned about the socio-economic realities of the Orang Asli community in Kampung Klewang but also explored Sungai Kooi and Sungai Ruok Waterfalls, observing hornbills, Malayan tigers, elephants, and the diverse habitats of tropical rainforest plants and 'ikan kelah'.
The programme also served as part of a corporate social responsibility initiative, with participants delivering basic business and savings management training and distributing essential goods to 50 Orang Asli families. Meanwhile, UiTM Puncak Alam deputy academic registrar and project director Zulfa Zainal Abidin remarked that the field study approach had provided participants with a deeper understanding of the potential and challenges of community businesses.
Zulfa also noted that a 'water confident' activity was organised to help participants build confidence in water environments while highlighting the importance of safety and sustainable aquatic ecosystems. He added that the experience of observing wild elephants had given participants a deeper awareness of the importance of wildlife protection and the conservation of tropical rainforests.