Sebatik Adventure..

The Line was bad, the connection can only be detected at certain parts of the island. else where its zero connection, to make it even worse i didn't bring the chargers to both my handset and my smartphone and both went dead in the morning of the 2nd day. all in all i was almost in total isolation. this yuppie was asking for it. surprisingly; i realize i didn't need those gadgets to keep me connected. i am connected, my mind and my spirit. unseen bonds that stretches for miles on end. i am connected. if not with the people of this earth. then perhaps with the earth itself.

left for Sebatik Island during the midday heat of friday. after fridan prayers. loaded up the boat and we sped off into the evening sun towards the all too much said island of Sebatik. Half under the jurisdiction of Malaysia; the other the Republic of Indonesia. Its like Cyprus in a way, but without the bloodshed. The killings and the nationalistic movement. Here, they don't go by nationalism but rather by ethnic groups.

Here are some of known ethnic tribes that i have encountered so far in the district of Tawau:

• Bajau (there's the Darat [Land] group & Laut [Sea] group)
• Banjar
• Bugis (originally from South of Sulawesi)
• Bolongan
• Brunei (Brunei)
• Suluk (Southern Phillipines)
• Visaiya (Phillipines originally)
• Kadazan
• Dusun
• Tidung (area of Kalabakan originally)
• Iban
• Others: those from Mixed marriages like the Kadazan-Dusun or SinoKadazan (Chinese Kadazans).

There are many-many more that i have yet to know, perhaps when i travel more into this mysterious island under the wind. Sabah, one of our last frontier of our own country, deprived of attention by our Mainland leaders. Its modernization programmes are only concentrated in the cities such as Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. As for the rest of Sabah, don't expect running waters or 24/7 electricity.

The island of Sebatik itself has no running water, its gathered from rainfall or pumped up from a well. The roads are sposored by the villages themselves. Its no wonder that Semananjung-ian are look upon by them with wearful look. we deem these people to be backwater and devoid of modernization but then i asked who's fault is it in the first place? the federal government could have provided more. but as always they've to wait for the next election with all the sweet empty promises. i don't know what the People's Rep promised them, but for sure I don't think they are getting it.

But I do applaud the Ministry of Health, State; for coming up with these Out-Reach programmes annually, sometimes 2 - 3 times a year. Sometimes with a restricted budget the staff of Ministry of Health goes through water and land into the remotest places to brings health services to the people of Sabah. They have to endure rough terrains, malaria infested area, lawlessness (in some parts of Sabah), heat and rain. The programms like the one i took part provided health screening such as medical, dental and eye and health education. we provided talks on good hygiene, malaria check up and Glucose and Triglyceride tests. with barely enough stuff we do try our best to bring what the people needs. i can't say i didn't enjoy the experience regardless of the heat, the rain, the lack of TV, and the lack of DIGI coverage. the whole aspect of being there myself to see, to touch and talk to these people brings some comfort in me. I think i've chosen the right profession even though at times i feel like i want to give up.

These health programmes need sponsors, perhaps there are all those rich a$$ Tuns, Tan Sris Toh Puans, Datuks, Datins and such who would love to donate a Ringgit or two for these people sakes. Especially those People's Rep whose these people have voted for in the first place. i think they should be reminded that they wouldn't be there if it weren't for these people. You need them and they need you. Get that FACT straight. The Ministry has only limited resources, i hope some day those RICH a$$ buggers could lend out a hand for us to continue providing the health services. The Sebatik Island Health Programm itself cost RM18,000.00 for a 2 nigths and 3 days show. even then we have to do with a few cutbacks like accomodation is not a 4 star hotel, some slept in sleeping bags (me :P) while others slept on the foldable army camp beds. can't say its comfortable. but i suppose it will do.

Then there was a group who got involved with the programm, but i really cannot say i appreciate their help. they came on the last day, bearing vitamins tablets and syrup and deworming medications, all they did was to pass out this stuff and took pictures. i wasn't sure their purpose was to hand out medications or to reach out to the people. this NGO bearing the logo of a wheel, (what goes around comes around concept? karma? dunno.. ) took pictures like they were the only ones doing the hardwork. they didn't even stay there... hah! it didn't matter if they didn't even came. we were already doing fine thank you.

Fun is understated, its more than fun. its food for the soul. ive met people bearing the roughness of life and scars of memories. ive met people who walk to kebun (orchard) to and fro half an hour journey everyday to tend to it. ive met those who who 'Kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang' (translation .. er .. no freaking idea). these are the kind of people that brings reality back to life. these are the people that brings you down to earth. these are the people that lives their life.

we need more than just money to survive, more than just everyday ritual of mamak stalls talking about football and music and the latest craze. more than just living your life everyday as if tomorow you live forever. more than just saying keeping your hands to yourself. lets all wake up and smell the coffee. perhaps we'll snap out of our fantasy.

Lets all join Mercy Malaysia.

:)

Until another programme comes along...

Tawau over and Out.