Rotary Club of Damansara Connects 6,000-year Orang Asli Community to the Internet

 Kuala Lumpur, 5 October 2025

In a major step toward digital inclusion, the Rotary Club of Damansara has successfully installed a Starlink satellite link in Kampung Chang Lama, bringing Internet access to the heart of this Orang Asli village for the very first time.

This initiative marks the beginning of a broader community partnership aimed at improving educational outcomes for the village’s youth. With connectivity now in place, the club will begin conducting digital literacy workshops tailored to different age groups, focusing on safe and meaningful use of the Internet.

“Those living in Kampung Chang can now access the Internet through their handphones and computers,” said Mr. P. Rajendran, the club’s Community Services Director and lead coordinator of the Kampung Chang Lama initiative. “Our next step is to run classes that empower the community to use this tool wisely—for learning, communication, and opportunity.”

A Community Rooted in History, Facing Modern Challenges

Kampung Chang Lama is home to 675 residents across 191 families, primarily from the Semai/Seng’oi tribes. Nestled near Bidor along the historic trunk road from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis, the community has deep ancestral ties to the land—anthropologists estimate continuous habitation for over 6,000 years.

Despite this rich heritage, the village faces persistent socio-economic challenges. Most households earn below RM960 per month, placing them in Malaysia’s B40 income bracket. While education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, Orang Asli students often struggle with access, retention, and achievement due to poverty, geographic isolation, and cultural barriers.

Demographic Snapshot

• 👶 Ages 0–4: 49

• 🎒 Pre-school (5–6): 26

• 📚 Primary school age (7–12): 53

• 🧑‍🎓 Secondary school age (13–19): 95

• 🧑‍💼 Young adults (20–40): 280

Nearly one-third of the population is of schooling age or early adulthood. The project will find a powerful demographic for targeted educational support and digital empowerment.