MAYBANK FOUNDATION'S MASIG PROGRAMME INCREASES INCOME OF ORANG ASLI IN POS RAYA, POS POI

SIMPANG PULAI, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- The Maybank ASEAN Social Impact Grant (MASIG) pilot programme implemented by Maybank Foundation in collaboration with building design company SEAD has successfully increased the income of Orang Asli residents in Kampung Orang Asli Pos Raya and Pos Poi.

Maybank Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Maybank Foundation chief executive officer, Izlyn Ramli, said the initiative aims to strengthen the livelihoods of Orang Asli communities through a renewable economy based on bamboo products, supported by an investment of USD$50,000 (RM206,000) by Yayasan Maybank.

She explained that the programme focuses on income-generating activities and the development of the bamboo supply value chain, including the production of sustainable building materials, furniture, handicrafts, and agricultural products.

bootstrap slideshow

"To date, trained participants have recorded an average increase in monthly income of RM2,000, benefiting at least 30 households in both villages," she said when met by reporters after the closing of the Bamboo-Based Economic Diversification Programme with the Orang Asli Community in Pos Raya here recently.

Izlyn said the programme, which involves 80 Orang Asli in both Orang Asli villages, was carried out for 16 months, starting from September last year. 

“We will continue to monitor the progress of the participants for another year to ensure they can generate income continuously, “ she said.

 Meanwhile, Maybank chairman Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, in his speech at the closing ceremony, said the MASIG programme began with a simple goal, but had a big impact, supporting the Orang Asli community in building sustainable growth, resilience and empowerment.

He said the programme was implemented based on Maybank Foundation's Social Impact Theory of Change and aligned with Maybank’s broader vision of creating meaningful social impact.

Zamzamzairani said the project was designed to strengthen community management and encourage diverse income sources by providing the necessary tools, knowledge and systems for long-term sustainability.

“The lessons learned from this programme will guide and inspire us to improve future initiatives, ensuring continued benefits for communities across ASEAN,” he said.

-- BERNAMA