At first glance, Yasmin Ruth Paranjothy, her husband, and two children appear to be an ordinary family. However, their dedication to volunteer work has forever changed not only the course of their lives but also that of those they are helping in Borneo.

Today, they spearhead the initiative Borneo Penan Bags, serving as a lifeline for the women and families of the indigenous Sarawak tribe.

As teachers, the couple began offering free tuition to undocumented children and impoverished communities. When the pandemic abruptly halted their classes, they threw themselves into other volunteer work.

“When the pandemic hit, these families, most of them daily wage earners, were very badly affected. Our help for these families naturally turned to food aid,” Yasmin, 47, told FMT Lifestyle.

The ripple effect expanded their outreach, attracting media attention that led them to the Penan people in the outskirts of Miri.

“At that time, we didn’t know much about the Penan community, and that the women specialise in making these beautiful handwoven bags. Every time my husband sent food aid to the Penan people, they would give these bags as a token of gratitude,” she shared.

Deciding to lend a helping hand, a simple Facebook post by Yasmin featuring these bags unleashed a tidal wave of support, securing sales from all across Malaysia.

“We began with three or four women, now we’re helping over 100 families,” she said.

Named Borneo Penan Bags, this project ensures that 80% of the proceeds go directly back to the women who crafted the bags, providing them not only with a means to make a living but also empowering them to stand on their own feet.

“Many of the ladies that we help are single mothers, and oftentimes the sole breadwinners of the families. They are the real hard workers.”

Yasmin added that she is often astonished by the resilience of the Penan women. “One of the ladies we helped was going through a tough time. Her husband had cancer and they had no money at all. It was only through her weaving that she was able to support her husband, and see him through this tough time.”

Though Yasmin and her family had never envisioned dedicating their lives to assisting the Penan communities, coincidentally, the roots of this initiative are woven with a personal connection from her past.

“My dad was a doctor in the army, and one of his medical assignments in the 1980s was in the Penan villages.”

After two months away Yasmin’s father returned with an abundance of stories, an experience that clearly touched his heart.

“I don’t think I ever imagined I would be working with the same community all these years later.”

She added, “When my dad passed away, it was one of those moments when you just want to do something meaningful with your life.”

Transforming grief into compassion, Yasmin recognised the needs of underprivileged communities in Sarawak. Deciding that this was where she needed to be, she, along with her husband, steered their life story in a new direction.

“We’ve been very blessed by God, and we want to be a blessing to others.”

And they’ve done exactly that.

“When we were in Johor, one Penan lady who we helped, sent us a picture of herself standing beside a trolley full of groceries.”

The picture served as a thank you to Yasmin and her husband, as this woman was able to buy essential items through her own hard work.

With a smile, Yasmin shared, “That moment, seeing that picture, felt amazing. Over time, we have become much closer to the Penan community, and I’d say it’s a friendship above all else.”

After three years of ongoing efforts, Yasmin envisions a future where they can gradually withdraw from the lives of the Penan families, where the ultimate goal is to empower these women with business skills, allowing them to take charge of their own lives.

To place your orders for Borneo Penan Bags, contact 016-728 0010

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