ORANG ASLI AND MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a one of the multicultural countries in southeast Asia. Here in Malaysia we have three main populations: Malay, Chinese and Indian. Today I am going to share some knowledge about “Orang Asli”.

Orang Asli means for native people or aboriginal people. They are the first occupant or oldest native people or can be considered as the first nation in Malaysia. They have their own unique languages, knowledge, belief and system. We can categorize them into three main groups; they are known as Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. 

1) Negrito 

The Semang or Negrito group known as the earliest Orang Asli lived here since before the third century.  They are least populous among the three Orang Asli groups. Normally, their settlements are isolated and scattered but mainly distributed in the Northern and middle part of Malaysia. They are also generally classified under the subdivisions of western and eastern groups

Traditionally their religious beliefs are complex which include many different gods. Much of a traditional Semang funeral involves going through rituals and setting up protective measures to protect people from the malevolent spirits. Besides the Semang have traditionally lived in temporary camps lasting from

one night to six weeks.    

A lady from Batek tribe seen holding hornbill

2) Senoi

Senoi is the largest group in Orang Asli in Malaysia which is mainly distributed from the middle to northern part of Malaysia. The word Senoi is derived from a Semai and Temiar word, sen-oi and seng-oi respectively; which mean people. The Senoi believe everyone has several souls, including shadow souls that can be malevolent ghosts. They also believe in gentle spirits and use taboos to maintain control.

 

Few girls from Mah-Meri tribe dressed traditionally. 

The Senoi group have traditionally lived in settlements of 30-200 people set up on high ground above the junction of stream and a river. This community traditional houses are made of wood, bamboo, and dark and haven wove, palm-frond shingles.

3) Proto Malay

Proto  Malay  is the second largest group in Orang Asli. The Proto Malay are believed to be seafarers knowledgeable in oceanography and possessing advanced fishing as well as basic agricultural skills.

We can separate them into six tribes:

       · Jakun/ Orang Hulu

       · Temuan

       · Semelai

       · Kuala

       · Kanaq

       · Seletar

Proto Malay normally settled in various places and adopt various customs and religious as a result of acculturation and intermarriage with most of the people they come in contact with Orang Asli.

An old lady of Jakun tribe with her family. 

Author : Punitha Narayanasamy