19 June 2024
A life-changing clean water project
The Presidential Project of 2023-2024 by the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur had an officiation of completion on 19 Jun 2024. Called the “H Water Project”, it is initiated by the family of the late Dato’ Lee Chung Han through the Club to provide access to clean and safe water to a large Orang Asli native community in remote areas of Pahang, Malaysia.
It was discovered that there are Orang Asli communities in dire living conditions with the lack of clean water. One elderly man who has lived in the village for the last 50 years said that there is no river in this area, so they depended entirely on ground spring water. They could only dig shallow water sources, which would often dry up during hot days. They could not dig deeper because they lacked proper equipment and expertise. They were struggling to get water for daily needs. At times they had to do rationing and routinely search for new sources, even to the extent of travelling far to a next village. The water they collected is always with soil. Even after letting the sediment settle, they still suffer from diarrhoea after drinking the water. It is impossible to successfully grow vegetables or fruit trees due to the shortage of water. Thus, they were unable to be self-sufficient and are forced to look for piecemeal work elsewhere. Previously, they harvested rattan but the supply has been dwindling.
Shallow murky unsafe water source.
Between November 2023 and April 2024, 43 fresh water wells were built in the villages of Kampung Bangkong, Gong, Kerpal, Lanjut, Pinang, RPS Runchang, Sawah Batu, Sena, Seri Bangkong, Serun, Simpai, Tanjung Kelapa, Terubing Simpai and Wah Wah, in a region spanning 130 kilometres comprising villages from Chini to Rompin and Pekan districts in the state of Pahang. Each well was dug to 15 feet deep and fitted with concrete rings, a water pump, a 600-gallon storage tank and piping, and can supply fresh water for several families.
Concrete rings, water pump, pipes and 600-gallon water tank.
Illustration of a well.
The Orang Asli built the wells by themselves.
Completed well and pump.
Now they are very happy with the wells provided by the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur’s “H Water Project”. This project has brought much-needed relieve and clean water to their community.
Finally, clean safe water source in the home for cooking and cleaning.
This project is a continuation of the legacy of the late Dato’ Lee Chung Han, the son of Juanita Lee, International Inner Wheel Board Director 2024-25. Chung Han, who passed away last October, had a lifelong commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged and in particular, the Orang Asli community. His care and concern for their well-being were evident in all he did. Chung Han was also passionate about the environment.
It is in his memory that the Club embarked on this project, as a lasting legacy of his dedication to those in need. Over RM140,000 was raised by his family, along with friends and members of the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur.
An official of the Malaysia Book of Records presented a certificate to the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur for the most freshwater wells project by an NGO (Total: 43 wells).
Certificate from the Malaysia Book of Records to the Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur, received by President Rani Gurmit and International Board Director Juanita Lee.
The Club also gave 400 saplings of fruit trees, vegetable seeds and fertilisers. Using reticulated water from the wells. The Orang Asli will be able to farm, harvest and generate a sustainable income to improve the livelihood of families for generations to come.
Club members planted a fruit tree sapling.
The Club donated materials for the construction of a toilet and wash area.
In the eyes of the villagers, this is a luxurious amenity.
In addition, Club members personally contributed bottled water, fruit juices, apples, varieties of biscuits and sweets, buns, tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes, snacks and tidbits, watermelon, potato chips, lollipops, all packed in gift bags for the children.
In her speech, Mrs Juanita Lee said, “Many people are unaware of the struggles faced by the Orang Asli community. Yet, thanks to the dedication of Club members, friends and relatives, we have been able to bring attention to their plight and offer meaningful assistance. There are still many more applicants in need of support, and I am encouraged by the continued inflow of funds for this cause. This generosity allows us to extend our efforts further, ensuring that more families benefit from the H Water Project.”
Gift bags with lots of goodies for the children
A group photo to end the day.
The members who started off from Kuala Lumpur at 6 am, was by the end of the event tired but happy to have concluded a fulfilling project. They boarded the coach and departed to Ancasa Hotel & Resort for a delicious seafood dinner and a well-deserved rest at the nearby town. The next day was fun time!
After breakfast, members modelled and showed off their colourful scarves, a beautiful and thoughtful gift from Past President Datin Brenda Lim.
An enjoyable organic vegetarian steamboat for lunch at Signature Garden, Song Yan Resort before the journey home.