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Introduction
The term Orang Asli specifically refers to three ancient tribes of indigenous people
in Peninsular Malaysia, namely the Semang (Negrito), Senoi and Proto-Malays.
These natives are a minority who constitute just 0.8% of total population in
Peninsular Malaysia (Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, 2010 and Centre
for Orang Asli Concern). They have distinct cultures and lifestyle from the Malays,
Chinese and Indians, which are other races in mainstream society. The Orang Asli
have retained much of their cultural heritage and today, they are represented by
many sub-groups, such as the Kensiu, Kintaq, Lanoh, Mendriq and Orang Kanaq.
The sub-tribes generally persist as small collections of families numbering between
80 and 600 people. Table 1 shows the population statistics of Orang Asli sub-tribes
and Fig. 1 shows the geographic distribution their settlements in Peninsular
Malaysia.
The Orang Asli either live in their “original homeland” or have relocated to
settlements equipped with electricity and clean water supply, and modern education
and healthcare systems (Figs. 2, 3, and 4). The relocation programmes are carried
out under various socio-economic development plans by the Orang Asli Development
Department (JAKOA) – the government agency under the Rural Development
Ministry responsible for their welfare (http://www.jakoa.gov.my). It is without
doubt that these efforts are much needed by Orang Asli communities. It is equally
important that all such development schemes should properly consider the identities, cultures and lifestyle of Orang Asli sub-tribes. Otherwise, such well- intentioned
intervention schemes may lead to the loss of a priceless heritage that has long been
at the heart of Orang Asli communities.
The following sub-sections discuss the multidisciplinary perspectives of Orang
Asli origins that shaped the socio-cultural milieu of their descendants. We also
review and evaluate data from new genetic surveys conducted on several loci associated with resistance to diseases. This information is crucial because most Orang
Asli villages are located in the interior with improper and/or poor healthcare (Phua
2015; Michael and Chuen 2012). Thus, they frequently suffer from treatable diseases like skin diseases, worm infection, amoebiasis and malaria (Hotez 2014;
Hotez et al. 2015).
A Contemporary Inventory Plus Brief Pre-historical
and Historical Account, Including Summary of Previous
Theories and Models
Census on the Orang Asli were first conducted in Pahang from the 1890s (Annual
Report of the British Resident Pahang 1891). In subsequent years, they were
grouped under the “Malaysian” category by colonial administrators. This category
also included Malays, Indonesians and other natives, which lasted until after World
A. T. Ahmad et al.
Introduction
The term Orang Asli specifically refers to three ancient tribes of indigenous people
in Peninsular Malaysia, namely the Semang (Negrito), Senoi and Proto-Malays.
These natives are a minority who constitute just 0.8% of total population in
Peninsular Malaysia (Population and Housing Census of Malaysia, 2010 and Centre
for Orang Asli Concern). They have distinct cultures and lifestyle from the Malays,
Chinese and Indians, which are other races in mainstream society. The Orang Asli
have retained much of their cultural heritage and today, they are represented by
many sub-groups, such as the Kensiu, Kintaq, Lanoh, Mendriq and Orang Kanaq.
The sub-tribes generally persist as small collections of families numbering between
80 and 600 people. Table 1 shows the population statistics of Orang Asli sub-tribes
and Fig. 1 shows the geographic distribution their settlements in Peninsular
Malaysia.
The Orang Asli either live in their “original homeland” or have relocated to
settlements equipped with electricity and clean water supply, and modern education
and healthcare systems (Figs. 2, 3, and 4). The relocation programmes are carried
out under various socio-economic development plans by the Orang Asli Development
Department (JAKOA) – the government agency under the Rural Development
Ministry responsible for their welfare (http://www.jakoa.gov.my). It is without
doubt that these efforts are much needed by Orang Asli communities. It is equally
important that all such development schemes should properly consider the identities, cultures and lifestyle of Orang Asli sub-tribes. Otherwise, such well- intentioned
intervention schemes may lead to the loss of a priceless heritage that has long been
at the heart of Orang Asli communities.
The following sub-sections discuss the multidisciplinary perspectives of Orang
Asli origins that shaped the socio-cultural milieu of their descendants. We also
review and evaluate data from new genetic surveys conducted on several loci associated with resistance to diseases. This information is crucial because most Orang
Asli villages are located in the interior with improper and/or poor healthcare (Phua
2015; Michael and Chuen 2012). Thus, they frequently suffer from treatable diseases like skin diseases, worm infection, amoebiasis and malaria (Hotez 2014;
Hotez et al. 2015).
A Contemporary Inventory Plus Brief Pre-historical
and Historical Account, Including Summary of Previous
Theories and Models
Census on the Orang Asli were first conducted in Pahang from the 1890s (Annual
Report of the British Resident Pahang 1891). In subsequent years, they were
grouped under the “Malaysian” category by colonial administrators. This category
also included Malays, Indonesians and other natives, which lasted until after World
A. T. Ahmad et al.