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Experiencing Life in a Remote Village in Malaysia's
National Forest Reserve |
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During a visit to my cousin, a writer for a newspaper in Kuala Lumpur, he
challenged me, a city boy, to accompany him on an assignment to write about life
in a remote village in the national forest reserve in Pahang. Our adventure
began with a thrilling boat ride down the river, passing through rapids and
watching the locals take it all in stride. Upon arrival, we visited the village
shop, which was also the only place to purchase stamps and newspapers, delivered
once a week.
The headman of the village, Ismail Hussein, welcomed us into his home and shared
stories of the village's history, including its rebellion against British rule.
We toured the peaceful and green village, where the river was the focal point,
providing fish for food, water for washing, and enjoyment for the children, who
swam and rode rafts made from bamboo poles.
Our evening meal was a communal feast, with neighbors bringing fresh honeycomb
and other natural foods. As we departed the next morning, I reflected on the
simplicity of their lives and their quiet practice of "green" living, something
that my friends and I in Singapore often talk about but rarely practice. |
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