Chalets along Sg Korbu pair well with Temiar culture showcase
A new community ecotourism destination has opened in Sungai Siput, Perak, developed with the Orang Asli community.
Perak tourism, industry, investment and corridor development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the venture showcased nature and Temiar culture.
“In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, this is an important opportunity to introduce the uniqueness of Malaysia’s natural environment and culture of local communities, particularly the Orang Asli Temiar, to the world.
“Perak government fully supports focusing on tourism products that are locally rooted, of high quality and directly benefit local communities within the eco-tourism and cultural tourism segments,” Loh said at the launch of “Jok Maduh D’Kenang”.
Developed together with the Temiar indigenous community of Kampung Kenang, “Jok Maduh D’Kenang” – which means “let’s go to Kenang” – offers nature-based recreation, environmental learning opportunities and cultural experiences.
The site has riverfront chalets and huts, picnic and barbecue areas, clear-water swimming spots along Sungai Korbu and demonstrations by the Temiar people on their life and traditional cuisine, according to a media release by Global Environment Centre (GEC).
Perak and Kedah Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director Harulnizam Abd Rahman said, “‘Jok Maduh D’Kenang’ highlights the natural beauty of Sungai Siput and the rich heritage of the Temiar.
“This initiative successfully integrates nature, culture and conservation while providing new livelihood opportunities.”
Highlighting the importance of community involvement, GEC director Faizal Parish said, “Our earlier success with community-based ecotourism in Kampung Tonggang, Perak, demonstrates how environmental stewardship and income generation can align.
“With strong commitment from the Kampung Kenang community and continued support from Hasanah Foundation and Finance Ministry, we are confident this model will deliver long-term positive impact.
“This is another successful model of the public-private partnership approach in Perak.”
Hasanah Foundation managing director and trustee Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said the foundation believed in impact that was long-lasting and sustainable.
“What matters most is ensuring the community’s own knowledge, traditions and values shape the growth of ‘Jok Maduh D’Kenang’,” she said.
“By working closely with the Kampung Kenang community, we are strengthening local community leaders’ skills and confidence to lead and sustain this effort themselves.
“This is how we create change that truly belongs to the community,” said Siti Kamariah.
Present at the event were Sungai Siput chief assistant district officer Khaizurul Ezwan Baharuddin and Hasanah Foundation community development and humanitarian disaster relief head Lakshwin Muruga.
