In the villages of Raub, Pahang, lives a community that struggles with some of the most basic challenges of modern life– access to fresh food, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. The Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Malaysia, have long faced socio-economic challenges that many others take for granted in their day-to-day lives. Sunway XFarms, in partnership with organizations such as Pertubuhan Komuniti Kasih Selangor (PKKS) and MyKasih, is working to change this reality. Through our “Solar for Growth” initiative, we aim to provide sustainable solutions to help light these communities up, one farm at a time.
The Struggles of the Orang Asli Communities
Kampung Ulu Ruai and Kampung Sungai Kellang, along with two other nearby villages, are home to approximately 800 Orang Asli residents. The lifestyle here is seemingly simple and peaceful, yet fraught with hardship. Adults rely on minimum daily wages from nearby plantations and factories, a financial situation that leaves little room for improvement or opportunity. Furthermore, the distance to the local market, which is half an hour away by motorcycle, presents a significant inconvenience for the women in the community who are often left without transportation, relying on their husbands to make the journey.
The community relies on foraging in the jungle for basic foodstuffs like ferns, yam leaves, young jackfruit, and bamboo shoots. This speaks to their limited access to a regular, sustainable food supply. While the jungle provides, it cannot guarantee the steady, nutritious produce needed for these families to thrive. Fresh vegetables, which many of us take for granted, are a luxury that is often out of reach for these communities, as they are both expensive and difficult to obtain in their situation.
The core of our company includes the problem-solving skills of our startup culture, our expertise from years of sustainable farming, and desire to positively impact lives through compassion and innovation. With this, Sunway XFarms presents the “Solar for Growth” programme, a proper solution that is both practical and sustainable.
Aiding the Orang Asli: “Solar for Growth” Programme
On 5 February 2025, Sunway XFarms visited the villages of Kampung Ulu Ruai and Kampung Sungai Kellang to introduce the “Solar for Growth” project. This initiative combines solar power with hydroponic farming to provide a sustainable source of fresh produce to the community. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but also empowers the community with a new way to grow their own food, using simple systems that can be easily taught and maintained by local residents.
Through the support of our partners– PKKS and MyKasih, Sunway XFarms planted a farm in the village– a farm that not only grows fresh food, but also hope and opportunity. The solar-powered hydroponic farms are designed to be easy to learn and maintain; using minimal water that recycles itself through a circular watering system with the power generated from the solar panels.
During our visit, we taught the local teachers how to use the systems, both to grow food and as a teaching tool at the school. With the planting of the solar-powered farm, children of these communities will not only learn about sustainable farming methods, but will also enjoy fresh, home-grown produce prepared by the community’s “house mothers”.
We want to acknowledge and thank the dedicated team from PKKS, who frequent the village every week to check on the locals as well as provide guidance and aid. Their continuous involvement ensures that every effort from donors is well implemented and maintained throughout time.
In addition to the farming system, we distributed Sunny Strong nutritious multigrain drinks to the children and teachers. This nourishing beverage, packed with 13 essential vitamins and minerals, calcium, and protein, provides a vital health boost to the community, addressing the nutrition deficiencies that many children face due to limited access to balanced meals.
The beauty of this initiative lies in its simplicity. It’s a small but transformative step that has a lasting impact on the community’s health, economic stability, and overall quality of life.
Why This Matters: The Power of Sustainability
The “Solar for Growth” project is a perfect example of how sustainability and social impact can go hand in hand. This programme doesn’t just address immediate needs, it also creates a foundation for long-term change. By investing in sustainable solutions like solar-powered hydroponic farming, we provide not only food and nutrition to underserved communities, but also teach them how to grow their own food and become more self-reliant.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The Orang Asli communities of Kampung Ulu Ruai and Kampung Sungai Kellang have already seen the transformative power of solar-powered hydroponic farming. With the help of corporate partners, we can expand this initiative to more villages, creating sustainable agricultural solutions for more communities in need.
If your company is looking for a way to give back, engage employees in volunteer work, and make a real, lasting impact; contact Sunway XFarms to partner with us today.
Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future, one farm at a time.
