UTAR NEW VILLAGE PROJECT COMMUNITY
REPORT
NAME OF NEW VILLAGE:
LEGEH 叻嘉
KELANTAN
Project carried out by:
Student Name
ID Number
Course
Year /
Trimester
1. Hemirni A/P
Patimanathan 13AAB00337
Bachelor of Social
Science (Hons)
Psychology
Y1/T3
2. Selvi Ranjit A/P
Ranjit Singh 13AAB00412 Bachelor of Social
Science (Hons)
Psychology
YI/T3
DATE OF COMPLETION:
OCTOBER 2013
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ABSTRACT
Kampung Legeh is a relatively small village located in Kelantan. It was
established in the year 1968. The town closest to Kampung Legeh is Bandar Jeli. Kg
Legeh’s main attraction is its delicious local food which are nasi dagang, nasi berlauk
and roti tempayan. The rubber estates/smallholdings in this area provide villagers
with their main source of income.
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INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
Kampung Legeh is located in the district of Jeli, Kelantan. This village was
established in the year 1968. Although this village is not well known, it has some
exquisite features which are worth exploring.
There is easy access to this village via roads and bridges. The nearest town,
Bandar Jeli, is 12 km away.
Kg. Legeh was established after the period of Emergency in Malaya. Its
current headman, Mr Wan Zain bin Draman, oversees development projects and
safety and security matters. He also deals with villagers’ problems and concerns.
This village was the home of a noble king, Raja Yusof, many years ago. He
was a leader who was fair to his subjects and concerned for their wellbeing.
The headman Mr.Wan Zain (right)
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POPULATION, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
The total population of this village is 1,229. Although this population size has
increased over the past decade, the growth is at a slow and steady pace. Most
villagers earn a living from the rubber estates/smallholdings in this area.
Some villagers travel by cars and motorcycles while others do so by foot.
There is no public transport and the headman expressed the need for public buses to
help villagers travel to nearby villages and towns.
Access to piped water is handled by JKR (Jabatan Kerja Raya). Residents
also rely on water from the river, Sungai Canal. TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) is
responsible for electricity supply to this village, while the district council handles
garbage disposal. The pour flush system is used for sewage disposal. Villagers have
access to fixed line as well as mobile telephone service.
In 1980, Klinik Desa Legeh was set up. It has two medical assistants and one
midwife. Other facilities include a community hall and a playing field.
Klinik Desa Legeh
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ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Most villagers wake up early morning (about 4 a.m.) to tap rubber local
estates/smallholdings. They work through the day till about 6 p.m. every day of the
week. It is only the rain that stops them from tapping rubber.
Villagers also grow lime and durian trees. Most of the harvest from local
orchards are sold. Livestock such as chickens and cows are reared mainly for the
residents’ own consumption. Trees in the nearby forests are sometimes cut down for
construction or renovation of houses. The average monthly income per household is
RM 1,000.00.
Rubber plantation
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EDUCATION
Tadika Kemas is the only kindergarten in Kg Legeh. It has about 30 students,
a teacher and an assistant teacher. Subjects taught include reading, writing and
arithmetics. Islamic religious teaching is emphasized as Kg Legeh is a predominantly
Malay village.
The primary school which is known as Sekolah Kebangsaan Legeh has 200
students and 25 staff. Compared to the kindergarten, more subjects are taught in this
school. Islamic religious teaching, Pendidikan Islam, is also emphasized. The
government was kind enough to build a hostel for the teachers and staff who come
from places far away from the village. This eases their burden of transportation and
housing. The headman informed us that, so far, no one from the village has managed
to further their studies at tertiary level. Basically, there are limited opportunities and
facilities such as bookstores or a library with e-learning to enhance village children’s
education.
Tadika Kemas – the school building
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SOCIAL CULTURE & RELIGIOUS PRACTICE
The main religion practiced in Kampung Legeh is Islam. As all residents are
Malays, the main festival celebrated in Kampung Legeh is Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The
village has only one Mosque. There is also a Muslim burial ground which is located
in Kampung Ayer Lanas which is 3km from Kampung Legeh. There is no temple nor
church in this village.
Kg Legeh has only one community centre which is used by its 1,229 residents.
It is equipped with 4 ceiling fans and a small television. When events are held at this
hall, the cooking is also done in this small area.
There is a kindergarten attached to the back of this Community centre and
there is a public library on the first floor. The kindergarten takes in children 3 to 6
years of age. This kindergarten has a small playground next to the community centre.
This playground also doubles as a football field for villagers.
The main entrances to Kampung Legeh Community Centre
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The only playground in Kampung Legeh
The library located on the first floor of the community center
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ENTREPRENEURSHIP
There are many small food stalls in Kampung Legeh. Income from these food
stalls supplements that from the rubber estates. These stalls are family enterprises
which operate till early evening or late at night. Roti tempayang and nasi kerabu are
the most popular and well known dishes sold at local stalls.
A small stall at Kampung Legeh
Roti Tempayang, a popular dish in Kampung Legeh
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PROBLEMS & NEEDS OF THE VILLAGERS
The main problem in Kg Legeh is the threat of dengue fever. The number of
dengue cases from this village has been increasing in recent years. The blocked
drains and poor management of the village’s sewage are possible reasons behind this
problem. So far, no preventive measure has been taken.
The filthy surrounding of a local hut
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RECOMMENDATION
The local authorities need to upgrade Kg Legeh’s drainage system. This
could prevent flooding during heavy rain as well as reduce possible breeding ground
for aedes mosquitoes.
The roads need to be widened to cater for the increasing number of motor
vehicles. This could also encourage tourists to visit Kg Legeh which has potential for
homestay program. Urban dwellers who wish to experience the relaxed lifestyle in a
village will probably find Kg Legeh an ideal weekend gateway.
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CONCLUSION
This project team’s journey to Kg Legeh has taught its members many things.
We see opportunities for cooperative efforts between government and villagers. For
example, upgrades of local roads, public transport and drainage system could help the
village attract visitors and tourists.
DISCLAIMER:
Information contained in this report was compiled by the University’s students on voluntary basis.
Although every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the report, the University accepts no
responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions, if any, the University reserves the right to make
changes on the information at any time without prior notice.
Should there be any queries regarding contents of the report, please contact:
Department of Soft Skills Competency
Tel: 03-79582628 ext 8274, 8656, 8269 (Klang Valley Campus)
05- 4688888 ext 2295/2297/2299/2300 (Perak Campus)