Responding to needs: The gutter pre-filter being installed at the village.
Under the “Green Haven” project, a group of Taylor’s University students is working hard to improve water quality for indigenous communities in Malaysia.
While efforts are underway, additional materials and resources are required to further refine the water quality to suit the needs of the villagers, said project leader Lithnes Kalaivani Palniandy.
Green Haven, an initiative under the varsity’s Clean Technology Impact Lab, involves students working with the Orang Asli to provide a sustainable, affordable system for accessing clean water and energy in a remote village in Pahang.
The indigenous residents of Kampung Bukit Biru, Muadzam Shah, Lithnes Kalaivani shared, rely on water sourced from a swamp area and a rainwater catchment tank provided by an NGO for their daily needs.
However, the accumulation of significant residue from the surrounding environment has led to blockages and water contamination in the rainwater gutter and storage systems, raising sanitation and health concerns.
Recognising the gravity of these issues, the Clean Technology Impact Lab started the Green Haven project last year.
“Done in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation, this project aims to build a sustainable and affordable system for villages to access water and energy.
“Through the project, an enhanced gutter system supplemented with a custom pre-filter was introduced, designed to seamlessly integrate with household roofs.
“This pre-filter effectively screens out contaminants such as leaves, plant debris, silt, and other undesirable residues, significantly reducing their ingress into the gutter system,” she said, adding that an additional filtration system was also installed at the storage tanks to further improve the efficiency of providing debris-free water for non-potable use within the indigenous community.
This has significantly enhanced water storage for a longer term, she said.
In addition, a solar education hub was set up for children in the community to contribute towards the advancement of clean energy systems.
“An innovative, cost-effective and sustainable approach to system design, requiring minimal to zero maintenance, is essential for addressing water scarcity issues among our communities.
“Collaborative endeavours involving diverse stakeholders are vital to advancing water quality for our indigenous communities.
“With this, it enables us to equip our indigenous communities with the resources, knowledge and support needed to tackle water challenges, resulting in enhanced health, economic opportunities, and overall well-being.
“This year, we’re reaching out to kindred partners who share our hope for a better future, as we carry forward the Green Haven project,” said Lithnes Kalaivani.
She added that in Malaysia, the struggle for clean water remains a daily hardship for many indigenous communities, even to this day.
The Statistics Department has reported that 53% of Orang Asli communities lack access to clean piped water, she noted.
“Numerous initiatives undertaken by both government bodies and NGOs aim to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals concerning clean water and sanitation.
“However, for many indigenous communities residing in remote areas, these remain inaccessible.
“Additionally, despite prior assistance from NGOs and the government, many systems have failed to maintain their effectiveness in providing both potable and non-potable water sources in the long run.
“Every day, I am grateful to have clean water readily accessible in my home, enabling me to effortlessly pour it from the tap and brew a delightful cup of morning coffee to enjoy. But, how many others share this privilege?” she said, stressing the importance of inspiring and empowering students to help make a change in the lives of disadvantaged groups like the Orang Asli.
