Dental outreach to Malaysia’s indigenous tribe

Malaysia: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) organised an outreach program providing dental screening and treatment to the Orang Asli (native minority group) in Kampung Panchor, Rompin.

About 300 Orang Asli of the village located in the Southeastern region of Pahang state, underwent dental screening and treatment through the ‘KPT Prihatin Komuniti Sejahtera’ outreach program.

“This programme really benefits the residents. They do not have to wait hours for dental treatment because, usually, we need to have an appointment,” said Community leader John Baharyn.

“The university also provided treatment to the elderly and ailing residents by conducting house visits. Such an initiative needs to be continued.”

According to Baharyn, 40 students and staff from USIM helped to administer the screening and treatment procedures.

The USIM team also organised various programs for the villagers, including sports activities and a colouring contest for kids.

Oral health awareness program

In addition, USIM conducted an oral health awareness program targeting the local communities, providing medical counseling and giving out samples of toothbrushes and toothpaste to residents.

“USIM medical staff also visited and examined about 18 bedridden patients and disabled people in the village,” said Prof Ts Dr Sharifudin Md Shaaran, USIM’s vice-chancellor.

“We also donated disposable diapers and nutritional milk and presented six wheelchairs to patients.”

The event was held in conjunction with the Negeri Sembilan Keluarga Malaysia Aspirations tour.