House Build @ Kg Sg Lalang

Our journey to Kg Sg Lalang began with excitement and purpose: we were on a mission to build a Modest Modular Tetrapak Home for the Temuan Orang Asli family of Asim, his wife, and their three young children.

The mission kicked off on 16 December 2021 as our team set up camp at Tuan Din’s Tati Agro Farm. Under the expert guidance of Timmy, who designed every detail of the home—including a toilet, water systems, front porch, rear kitchen, raised floor slab, and lighting—we began construction in earnest. By 18 December 2021 despite relentless rain, incredible progress had been made.

Thanks to the Super Speed Master Builders, Ah Leong and Soo Aun, and the tireless efforts of 25 Golden Hearts members, the house was 90% complete by late afternoon. Only the finishing touches remained to bring this much-needed home to life.

However, Mother Nature had other plans. What began as a gentle river near our campsite transformed into a raging torrent. By 8 p.m., the once-calm Batangsi River overflowed its banks, and by 10 p.m., our entire campsite was submerged under 2.5 feet of fast-flowing, muddy "teh tarik" water.

We quickly evacuated to higher ground, finding shelter under a dry, roofed campsite. Despite the challenges, the team remained in high spirits and spent the night peacefully.

The next morning, we learned from Tuan Din that the floods had washed away the main bridge leading out of Kampung Sg Lalang—a flood event unprecedented in the past 50 years. Many vehicles and people were trapped, but with determination and teamwork, our group found an alternative off-road route through the steep hills of an oil palm estate. Leaving behind five vehicles, we navigated our way out safely.

This was the house Asim’s family had been living in—humble, worn, and vulnerable to the elements. Despite the challenges, the new home symbolizes hope, resilience, and the power of community. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when hearts and hands come together for a cause that truly matters.

Through adversity, we found strength and purpose, proving that even in the face of nature’s fury, compassion and determination can build brighter futures.

This was the old shed that Asim and family were living in.