Bridging the Orang Asli gap

You can learn basic jungle survival skills from folks like Pak Raman, a Semai tribesman. Photos: The Star/SS Kanesan

Raman Bahtuin, a Semai tribesman, stands in a clearing in the jungle, telling his visitors about the many things that one can learn in the forest and what a day in the life of an Orang Asli is like.

Raman, or “Pak Raman” as he is known in the community, is 48 and lives in Kampung Orang Asli Batu 12 in Gombak, Selangor; he was raised in the jungle. Today he is part of an initiative called the Jungle School Gombak that aims to educate visitors on the culture, heritage and lifestyle of the Orang Asli.