Application of solar lighting towards establishing sustainable energy for Orang Asli village in Perak: a case study of Ulu Kinta, Perak

This research investigates the application of solar lighting to deal with the ongoing problem of insufficient electricity supply, particularly in Orang Asli communities located in remote areas, with a focus on the state of Perak in Malaysia. This state dominates the second-highest overall population of these communities after Pahang. Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Perak, are a close-knit community with a rich cultural history. However, their ascent to modern society civilization is delayed due to their underrepresentation and lack of access to better employment opportunities. The absence of affordable and dependable electricity and safety issues underscore the pressing need to supply sustainable energy to indigenous communities across Malaysia. This research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, including field surveys, observations, questionnaires, and empirical analysis by installing actual solar lighting on site. The level of community involvement with solar technologies, the village's energy efficiency, and the contribution of solar lighting to energy sustainability are all assessed by the research design. The case study's conclusions show that once solar lighting was installed, the village's lighting conditions significantly improved. Orang Asli communities in Ulu Kinta are included in the study population, and the research sample consists of 40 villagers who are representative of the study population. The light fluctuated between 15 and 100 lux at night, providing sufficient illumination for the settlement. Surprisingly, a survey showed that almost 90% of Orang Asli were happy with the installation. In the end, by addressing the crucial problem of energy access, the research hopes to contribute to the continuing conversation on creating resilient and sustainable learning settings in remote regions.