Reaching these villages requires a five to six-hour journey by four-wheel drive from Miri.
Cover image via @myhumanitarian (Instagram)
This Spotlight is sponsored by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is driving an inspiring initiative that promises to transform lives in some of Malaysia's most remote communities
Known as the Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS project, this initiative aims to empower villagers, improve their quality of life, and create sustainable futures for the youth who call these areas home.
At its core, the Kampung Angkat MADANI project is part of a broader national effort to revitalise rural communities, a vision championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who believes that true progress begins by uplifting the underserved areas of the country.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports, entrusted with this mission, has been granted a substantial RM2.5 million allocation by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to enhance the infrastructure of these remote villages and, most importantly, to empower their youth.
As part of this initiative, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is focusing on rural communities like Kampung Long Latei and Kampung Long Suling, located in the heart of Telang Usan in Miri, Sarawak
For the residents, the Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS initiative represents more than just upgrading basic facilities; it's about fostering a stronger, more sustainable community. The project focuses on a collaborative approach, with a unique emphasis on local youth.
According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports secretary-general Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, this initiative brings together the state government, its agency the International Youth Centre (IYC), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like MyHumanitarian, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as well as volunteers, fondly called "local heroes".
"Together, we are taking a stakeholder approach to work on implementing projects here," he said, noting the recent completion of a water supply from the hillside.
"Previously, this village did not have water supply; they used rainwater harvesting. But with joint efforts, we managed to secure water from the forest catchment area, and now they have access to clean water all the time."
Nestled deep in the district of Telang Usan, these villages — despite their serene beauty and rich culture — face unique challenges due to their remote locations
Kampung Long Latei, home to around 500 residents from the Penan tribe, has existed for over three decades. The journey from Miri to this village takes about six hours by four-wheel drive, a route that tests both patience and endurance. Here, nearly half of the village's population is made up of youth who either study, work in nearby logging camps, or venture out to the cities to make a living.
Meanwhile, Kampung Long Suling has its own unique story. Established in 2010, it is home to former residents of Kampung Naha'a, who tragically lost their village to a fire in 2003. With a population of around 1,100, most of whom are from the Kayan community, Long Suling maintains a deep connection to its land. However, the challenges of living in such a remote area, which is a five-hour four-wheel drive journey from Miri, remain constant. Around 350 of the villagers are youth, many of whom are either students, work in logging camps, or migrate to the city in search of better opportunities.
The Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS project aims to create lasting change by investing in both the infrastructure and people of each village
Whether it's upgrading basic amenities like providing clean water access or empowering the youth to take leadership roles within their communities, the initiative is designed to instil long-term benefits.
"The ministry has a National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Miri, which assists in the career development for rural villagers in Sarawak. We hope the Long Latei community will benefit from IKBN Miri, where youths can take up courses," said Dr Nagulendran.
Furthermore, the secretary general emphasised that the Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS project is not merely a one-off weekend event.
"With the Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS project, we are committed to continuous development. [We hope to come up with] a simple plan for socio-economic empowerment in this village with clear KPIs, so that when the ministry eventually leaves and moves on to other villages, this village will have its own blueprint for the development they want to achieve.
"There are about 400 residents here, across 118 houses. The village is surrounded by rich natural resources, so I believe the potential for homestays and activities is high, especially if they receive proper guidance on how to manage these programmes in an organised way," he said.
Here's a closer look at some of the ongoing and completed projects under Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS:
Installation of solar street lights: A total of 60 solar-powered street lights have been installed in Kampung Long Latei (30 units) and Kampung Long Suling (30 units) to improve the safety and convenience of villagers at night.
Upgrading of water tanks: The water tanks in both villages have been upgraded with the construction of roofs to regulate water temperature and extend the lifespan of the tanks, especially in hot weather.
Construction of new incinerators: Incinerators have been built in both villages to help residents dispose of waste in a more environmentally friendly manner, while also recycling the ash to be used as fertiliser.
Other ongoing projects: Road repairs, upgrades to the futsal court, and the construction of a multipurpose hall are currently in progress and expected to be completed by the end of December 2024.
In addition to physical projects, the ministry has also conducted training courses to equip the youth of Telang Usan with skills that can enhance their economic opportunities. A total of 150 youths from surrounding villages took part in these courses that covered a range of topics, from being an eco host to diesel car maintenance.
With the right support, resources, and a commitment to sustainability, these villages are not just surviving — they are thriving
In fact, Kampung Long Latei and Kampung Long Suling are just two of 42 villages earmarked for the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, with a total allocation of RM100 million.
As more young Malaysians get involved in similar initiatives, it's clear that the spirit of community and mutual aid continues to shine bright in the heart of the country. This project is more than just improving infrastructure; it's fostering connections, building skills, and creating a future where everyone has a place to belong.
Thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the future of these rural communities looks more promising than ever.
You can learn more about the Kampung Angkat MADANI KBS initiative here.
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