KL-LONDON CYCLING MARATHON 2011: Sojourn At an Orang Asli Village (Kampung Perjek)

Last weekend I took a trip to the interior of Perak to visit an orang asli village,Kuala Mu, which I have been making regular visits over the last 20 years. The village is at the foot of the Main Range ( Banjaran Titiwangsa ) some 50 kilometers from Lasah near Sungai Siput.

8, 4x4 vehicles with 28 people left KL in the morning heading north to Sg.Siput where we had an early lunch and after checking to make sure that all is in order we left for Lasah and then on to the off-road trail leading to Kuala Mu.

We passed several villages along the way notably Kg Santes, Kg Perjek and Pos Legap. From here on the trail became tougher due to erosion and. usage by heavy vehicles. It had rained earlier in the day that made the trail very muddy and slippery.As only two out of the eight vehicles were fitted with off-road accessories like winches, mud tyres shackles and snatch straps, the other vehicles had a tough time negotiating the rough patches.After several attempts at the difficult that took too long to clear and not knowing the trail conditions ahead we decided to abort the trip to Kuala Mu. It was also getting late and Kuala Mu is still some 15 kilometers away.That distance can take 2 hours or more if you manage to get through at all and as daylight was fast fading we decided to go back the same way we came.

We reached Kg Perjek which we had passed earlier and as it was getting dark we decided to camp the night there, with the permission of the Penghulu (Tok Batin) of course.
Dinner was quickly prepared by the efficient ladies and it was shared with most of the villagers.

The night ended with the Sewang , the orang asli traditional song and dance. Everyone participated and enjoyed in the merrymaking especially the two French couples that came along. It was almost midnight before we got to sleep.We slept at the the community hall where the'Sewang' was held.It was indeed a unique experience for the French couples.

The next morning breakfast was prepared and again it was shared with the villagers. After breakfast Dr Lee gave free medical examination and consultation to those in need and dispensed the necessary medication required. It is normal for Dr Lee to provide such services whenever he visits the orang asli villages in the interior. Well done Doc.

At the same time we also distributed food and clothes that we brought along that was originally intended for Kuala Mu. For some it was entirely a new experience that will be remembered for a long time.

As for me I shall continue with my visits to these charming places whenever possible.