Survival Village Brings Jungle Survival Experience To Melaka PMR

JASIN, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Amid the hustle and bustle of the 2025 Melaka MADANI Rakyat Programme (PMR), one corner stood out as a unique attraction — the ‘Survival Village’ presented by the 6th Royal Ranger Regiment (6 RRD).

Offering a rare experience beyond military grounds, the Survival Village allows visitors to experience first-hand the challenges of surviving in the wilderness, from lighting fires without lighters to identifying edible and poisonous plants.

According to the 6 RRD company head, Capt Mohd Hafizuddin Sulaiman, the exhibition showcases a model of a forest settlement, replicas of animal traps, and demonstrations of fire-starting techniques using stones, bamboo, and wood.

“At the Survival Village, we feature several displays related to forest living, including types of shelters, tents, and hammocks. We also have a mini zoo exhibiting several animals such as snakes, hedgehogs, foxes, and monkeys,” he told Bernama.

For Mohd Hafizuddin, the Survival Village is not merely an exhibition but a way to bring the public closer to the realities of military life and survival in the jungle when resources are limited.

“The unique aspect is that many visitors here have never seen or even heard of the Survival Village, and this experience can teach practical skills that can be applied in real-life situations,” he said.

Visitors also have the opportunity to try their hand at crafting blowpipes, an activity that offers an experience rarely available elsewhere.

Although the site may appear to be a replica, every element and structure was constructed based on real experiences from jungle training and operations by members of the 6 RRD, based at the Ulu Tiram Camp, Johor.

Adding to its appeal, the entire team behind the Survival Village comprises soldiers from Sabah and Sarawak, including Mohd Hafizuddin himself.

“Everyone here is from Sabah and Sarawak, including myself… we are 6 RRD,” he said proudly, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their skills and experiences with the people of Melaka.

The 2025 Melaka PMR programme, held over three days beginning yesterday at Polytechnic Merlimau, Jasin, featured a variety of engaging activities, including community initiatives, agency exhibitions, and defence demonstrations.

With the theme, “‘Aspirasi MADANI, Menjamin Pertahanan dan Kedaulatan Negara”, the three-day programme was organised by the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU) of the Prime Minister’s Office, with the strategic collaboration of the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and the Melaka government as co-organisers

-- BERNAMA