196
Conclusion
There were still plenty of room for improvement in the health status of the Orang
Asli. In order to enhance their healthcare, many efforts had been implemented by
the government. It had provided modern healthcare facilities to improve the lives
of the Orang Asli. Modern healthcare was making inroads in the lives of the
Orang Asli and cured many of their diseases. This study provided compelling
evidence that the Orang Asli of Kampung Sungai Berua had been receptive to the
availability of modern medical treatment, and not just relying solely on traditional
healing.
Acknowledgements This study was supported by the Higher Education Ministry through the
Trans-disciplinary Research Grant Scheme (TRGS): Characterising the ethno and biodiversity
of Kenyir to safeguard Terengganu’s natural resources (Reference number: KPT
TRGS/2015/49373). Special thanks to the Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable
Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, for permission to use all the facilities and equipment needed. The authors also thank the village authorities, Orang Asli Development Department
(JAKOA), Forestry Department, KETENGAH,Terengganu State Park Management
Council, Sungai Berua rural clinic and Hulu Terengganu district health office for their
cooperation.
No Questions
SD
D
N S
A
SA
1.
I am really concerned about my family's
health
1
(1.1%)
0
0
17
(18.3%)
75
(80.6%)
2.
Family planning is good for my family
19
(20.4%)
32
(34.4%)
0
39
(41.9%)
3 (3.2%)
3.
My family and I never had malnutrition
0
22
(23.7%)
0
(59
(63.4%)
12
(12.9%)
4.
My family and I always go to clinic for
treatment
0
0
0
18
(19.4%)
75
(80.6%)
5.
None of my family members are starving
0
0
1
(1.1%)
35
(37.6%)
57
(61.3%)
6.
I will always ensure that my family has
enough food at home
0
1
(1.1%)
5
(5.4%)
57
(61.3%)
30
(32.3%)
7.
My family and I prefer to go to clinic for
medical treatment
0
0
3
(3.2%)
52
(55.9%)
38
(40.9%)
8.
I realise that, my family's health status is
getting better
0
0
0
25
(26.9%)
68
(73.1%)
9.
I realise that we are not hungry anymore
0
3
(3.2%)
19
(20.4%)
57
(61.3%)
14
(15.1%)
10. I realise that the family planning
programme is good for my family
19
(20.4%)
32
(34.4%)
0
39
(41.9%)
3 (3.2%)
11. I feel that my family's health is getting
better
0
0
0
18
(19.4%)
75
(80.6%)
SD- Strongly disagree, D- disagree, NS- Not sure, A- Agree, SA- Strongly agree
Table 2 The Orang Asli perception on modern medical practices
M. F. Abdullah et al.
Conclusion
There were still plenty of room for improvement in the health status of the Orang
Asli. In order to enhance their healthcare, many efforts had been implemented by
the government. It had provided modern healthcare facilities to improve the lives
of the Orang Asli. Modern healthcare was making inroads in the lives of the
Orang Asli and cured many of their diseases. This study provided compelling
evidence that the Orang Asli of Kampung Sungai Berua had been receptive to the
availability of modern medical treatment, and not just relying solely on traditional
healing.
Acknowledgements This study was supported by the Higher Education Ministry through the
Trans-disciplinary Research Grant Scheme (TRGS): Characterising the ethno and biodiversity
of Kenyir to safeguard Terengganu’s natural resources (Reference number: KPT
TRGS/2015/49373). Special thanks to the Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable
Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, for permission to use all the facilities and equipment needed. The authors also thank the village authorities, Orang Asli Development Department
(JAKOA), Forestry Department, KETENGAH,Terengganu State Park Management
Council, Sungai Berua rural clinic and Hulu Terengganu district health office for their
cooperation.
No Questions
SD
D
N S
A
SA
1.
I am really concerned about my family's
health
1
(1.1%)
0
0
17
(18.3%)
75
(80.6%)
2.
Family planning is good for my family
19
(20.4%)
32
(34.4%)
0
39
(41.9%)
3 (3.2%)
3.
My family and I never had malnutrition
0
22
(23.7%)
0
(59
(63.4%)
12
(12.9%)
4.
My family and I always go to clinic for
treatment
0
0
0
18
(19.4%)
75
(80.6%)
5.
None of my family members are starving
0
0
1
(1.1%)
35
(37.6%)
57
(61.3%)
6.
I will always ensure that my family has
enough food at home
0
1
(1.1%)
5
(5.4%)
57
(61.3%)
30
(32.3%)
7.
My family and I prefer to go to clinic for
medical treatment
0
0
3
(3.2%)
52
(55.9%)
38
(40.9%)
8.
I realise that, my family's health status is
getting better
0
0
0
25
(26.9%)
68
(73.1%)
9.
I realise that we are not hungry anymore
0
3
(3.2%)
19
(20.4%)
57
(61.3%)
14
(15.1%)
10. I realise that the family planning
programme is good for my family
19
(20.4%)
32
(34.4%)
0
39
(41.9%)
3 (3.2%)
11. I feel that my family's health is getting
better
0
0
0
18
(19.4%)
75
(80.6%)
SD- Strongly disagree, D- disagree, NS- Not sure, A- Agree, SA- Strongly agree
Table 2 The Orang Asli perception on modern medical practices
M. F. Abdullah et al.