In an effort to improve healthcare access and understanding, 74 medical students from Universiti Malaya (UM) conducted a series of activities during their recent visit to Kampung Orang Asli Tun Abdul Razak at Kuala Kubu Bharu. The program, which took place from September 28 to 30, is part of the Baktisiswa project under the University of Malaya Medical Society (UM MEDSOC).
Baktisiswa, a tradition with over 20 years of legacy, is an annual initiative led by first- and second-year medical students from UM. It focuses on providing health screenings, community education, and promoting cultural exchanges between participating students and indigenous people.
“We are thrilled that Baktisiswa has come to fruition after months of hard work and dedication. Through this programme, we hope to empower the Indigenous community with engaging activities and a comprehensive health screening program. We believe that this will not only improve the public health of the population but also foster a deeper connection between the suburban and urban communities.” said the Director of Baktisiswa 2024, Chow Min, currently in her third year of pursuing medicine at UM.
The students dedicated each day of the program to different health and community engagement aspects. On the first day, the medical students focused on building relationships with the community. They organised games and activities for the children, which helped foster memorable bonds. In the evening, the students conducted house visits, learning about the daily lives, challenges, and needs of the villagers through personal interactions.
The second day was dedicated to health screening and education. Courtesy of the Health Outreach Program and Education (HOPE) Team of Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM), the medical students were able to set up a variety of health stations, offering services such as BMI assessments, blood pressure monitoring, glucose, and cholesterol screenings, amongst others. Specialised consultations were also provided for paediatric care, adult health, and dietary guidance. A booth was dedicated to the ROSE Foundation which provided crucial HPV screening sessions for women in the community. Additionally, villagers received donations from Geosoftware, distributed at a designated station. The health education booths set up by the students raised awareness on key issues such as dental hygiene, nutrition, family planning, and women’s health.
In a statement translated from Malay, this is what the Chairperson of The Department Of Indigenous Development (JAKOA) Kampung Orang Asli Tun Abdul Razak, A Mizan Bin Silai, had to say about the session: “I sincerely appreciate their efforts in organising this very meaningful program, and the villagers of Kampung Tun Abdul Razak have benefited. This program improved health awareness, and the students provided excellent community service”
The second day served not only to raise health awareness but also for students to immerse themselves in cultural exchange. That evening, the students gained insight into the heritage of the community by learning how to make Bakul and Keris using coconut leaves. As the day drew closer to an end, the villagers came together for a cultural night where the students showcased many traditional performances. A dinner was provided, and the night ended with a campfire, symbolising the unity and warmth cultivated between the students and villagers.
On the final day, the students visited the local school to inspire the younger generation. They conducted motivational talks to emphasise the importance of pursuing higher education. In addition, they organised educational booths where students could engage with various subjects such as Science, Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, and English in a fun and interactive way. These sessions aimed to empower the students with both knowledge and confidence.
When asked about the activities conducted at the school, the headmaster of SK Tun Abdul Razak expressed that Baktisiswa “had a positive impact on our students” and that the members served as “role models for the younger generation, demonstrating that knowledge should be shared and applied in our daily lives.”
By the end of the program, the medical students had not only gained valuable hands-on experience but also a deeper appreciation for the importance of accessible healthcare in underserved communities. With plans to expand Baktisiswa to more Orang Asli villages across Malaysia, the medical students encourage other university students to engage in similar initiatives, highlighting that community projects like these are essential for building empathy, practical skills, and a stronger commitment to social responsibility.
Further details about the program may be obtained from Associate Professor Dr. Nur Amani Ahmad Tajuddin from the Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya at amaninatasha@um.edu.my