Documenting the hearts of Malaysians in Gerik, Perak

Making a difference with photography, Women of the Future 2020 Southeast Asia laureate Annice Lyn shares her documentary on the indigenous community in Gerik, Perak

AS PART OF a group of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the Orang Asli, the first and oldest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia, documentary photographer Annice Lyn reached out to the indigenous community in need in Gerik, Perak. Together, they provided them with assistance that included household essentials, children necessities such as shoes and clothing, and spending time with them.

In addition, they have collectively worked with the village farmers to further expand the installation of movement tracking alarms, designed to improve agriculture and everyday safety by preventing wild elephants from storming their vegetation and endangering the villagers. Annice’s photo-story gives us rare insights into indigenous life in Gerik, Perak, and their valuable contribution to the community.

THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE Two sisters standing by the entrance to their shed as visitors tour the village; A general view of wooden house as a village girl runs towards her house; A po rait of Nenek (addressed as grandmother), a respectable elder in the village, smiling as she notices a camera pointing at her. Sho ly a er, Nenek reaches out for some flowers from her garden and places them on my hair as a gesture of welcome, blessing and honour