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the basic necessities to enhance their standard of living. They were provided with
modern houses that were connected with good road access, a primary school, a
clinic and other practical infrastructure.
Conclusion
The close relationship between the Orang Asli and the forest made it hard for them
to accept modern changes by the government. The forest was not only part of their
culture and tradition inherited from their ancestors, but it was also where they got
their food and income. This study revealed that the Orang Asli were vulnerable to
the rapid developments in the country. The shrinking of land resources and destruction of surrounding biodiversity were main causes that made them shy away from
society and fall back further from mainstream development. The limitation of hunting and collecting forest products had further aggravated the situation, particularly
on their economy and culture. This scenario would cause problems to the continuity
of their culture, traditions and belief in future generations. In order to merge development and sustainability for the Orang Asli, socio-economic activities should take
into account the forest as a basic component of this community. Due to this, ecotourism would be recommended as the best solution to by complementing development growth and culture of the Orang Asli community, particularly in the case of
Kampung Sungai Berua in Hulu Terengganu. According to the National Ecotourism
Plan (NEP) (1996), eco-tourism could promote environmental conservation, had
little negative impact and might benefits local communities greatly. It could bring
socio-economic and environmental benefits when implemented wisely. The most
beneficial economic improvements would be the employment and income for the
Orang Asli community. They could become tourist guides, make handicraft from
forest products and provide homestay services for those interested in exploring their
culture. These economic activities were valuable and acceptable assets for the
Orang Asli to showcase the uniqueness of their traditional way of life.
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 (UMT), for providing the facilities and equipment for this research. The
authors also thank the local authorities, Orang Asli Affairs Department (JAKOA), Sekolah
Kebangsaan Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jenagor, Hulu Terengganu,
Sungai Berua rural clinic and the Hulu Terengganu district health office for their cooperation.
M. F. Abdullah et al.
the basic necessities to enhance their standard of living. They were provided with
modern houses that were connected with good road access, a primary school, a
clinic and other practical infrastructure.
Conclusion
The close relationship between the Orang Asli and the forest made it hard for them
to accept modern changes by the government. The forest was not only part of their
culture and tradition inherited from their ancestors, but it was also where they got
their food and income. This study revealed that the Orang Asli were vulnerable to
the rapid developments in the country. The shrinking of land resources and destruction of surrounding biodiversity were main causes that made them shy away from
society and fall back further from mainstream development. The limitation of hunting and collecting forest products had further aggravated the situation, particularly
on their economy and culture. This scenario would cause problems to the continuity
of their culture, traditions and belief in future generations. In order to merge development and sustainability for the Orang Asli, socio-economic activities should take
into account the forest as a basic component of this community. Due to this, ecotourism would be recommended as the best solution to by complementing development growth and culture of the Orang Asli community, particularly in the case of
Kampung Sungai Berua in Hulu Terengganu. According to the National Ecotourism
Plan (NEP) (1996), eco-tourism could promote environmental conservation, had
little negative impact and might benefits local communities greatly. It could bring
socio-economic and environmental benefits when implemented wisely. The most
beneficial economic improvements would be the employment and income for the
Orang Asli community. They could become tourist guides, make handicraft from
forest products and provide homestay services for those interested in exploring their
culture. These economic activities were valuable and acceptable assets for the
Orang Asli to showcase the uniqueness of their traditional way of life.
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 (UMT), for providing the facilities and equipment for this research. The
authors also thank the local authorities, Orang Asli Affairs Department (JAKOA), Sekolah
Kebangsaan Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jenagor, Hulu Terengganu,
Sungai Berua rural clinic and the Hulu Terengganu district health office for their cooperation.
M. F. Abdullah et al.