x
practices are strongly related to their belief in spirits that guide their lives, which are
still being followed. For instance, the Semaq Beri Orang Asli strongly believe in
Semaq hala, which are spirits that they obey. They are responsible for safeguarding
the forest and its component to ensure sustainability. As such, the Orang Asli traditionally believe that the forest resources must be extracted when in need and in a
sustainable manner to avoid wastage. In terms of forest resource utilisation, the
Orang Asli communities are known to use simple tools and methods. For instance,
they dig to look for tubers and use blowpipes to hunt arboreal animals.
There are various types of important forest resources used by the Orang Asli for
their livelihood, that is, food, medicine, income and building materials. Therefore,
there is a need to conserve the existing resources that significant to the Orang Asli
community. This is because, while the clearance of forest aims to approach modernisation for economic development, the Orang Asli’s livelihood seems to be
threatened. After all, the available resources for them will be all gone. It is important
to identify the extent to which the external and internal factors affect the Orang
Asli’s life to safeguard their sustainable livelihood. By understanding the Orang
Asli community’s lifestyle, their well-being can be improved through suitable
approaches.
Perhaps it could be due to lack of extensive studies in particular aspects which
are likely to be ignored. As such, it is important to look deeper at the use and sustainability of the resources of the Orang Asli through research and documentation.
Additionally, we may able to bridge the gap in research relating to Orang Asli communities and provide a medium for more studies on them. As the population of
some of the Orang Asli sub-ethnic communities (e.g., Bateq, Semoq Beri, Lanoh,
Che Wong, Kintak and Orang Kanaq) is decreasing, there is an urgent need to document studies towards the well-being of their communities to ensure knowledge
transfer for their future generations.
The Orang Asli: Resources and Sustainable Livelihood book presents deeper
information on the Orang Asli with illustrations to capture the hearts and minds of
the general and serious readers. This book is special as it provides the reader with
various aspects of the study, including science, applied science, social science, economics and modelling. Furthermore, this book provides explanation and information on the genetic structure of the Orang Asli. The natural sciences examine the
usage and importance of forest resources as one of the components to sustain the
Orang Asli livelihood. From aquatic to terrestrial components, various resources
become an important part of the life of the Orang Asli. Apart from that, their traditional knowledge was included as an important aspect of their resource use and
sustainability. Meanwhile, social science and management look at the Orang Asli
culture, lifestyle and practices.
Another challenge to creating a sustainable livelihood for the Orang Asli is our
lack of understanding of their behaviour. Therefore, this book is aimed to provide
information and bridge with the gaps in research regarding the sustainability of the
Orang Asli. It is intended for researchers and graduate students to understand more
about the Orang Asli. We hope that by introduce the Orang Asli to the public, this
community will be recognised and become a part of society. Also, based on the
Introduction
practices are strongly related to their belief in spirits that guide their lives, which are
still being followed. For instance, the Semaq Beri Orang Asli strongly believe in
Semaq hala, which are spirits that they obey. They are responsible for safeguarding
the forest and its component to ensure sustainability. As such, the Orang Asli traditionally believe that the forest resources must be extracted when in need and in a
sustainable manner to avoid wastage. In terms of forest resource utilisation, the
Orang Asli communities are known to use simple tools and methods. For instance,
they dig to look for tubers and use blowpipes to hunt arboreal animals.
There are various types of important forest resources used by the Orang Asli for
their livelihood, that is, food, medicine, income and building materials. Therefore,
there is a need to conserve the existing resources that significant to the Orang Asli
community. This is because, while the clearance of forest aims to approach modernisation for economic development, the Orang Asli’s livelihood seems to be
threatened. After all, the available resources for them will be all gone. It is important
to identify the extent to which the external and internal factors affect the Orang
Asli’s life to safeguard their sustainable livelihood. By understanding the Orang
Asli community’s lifestyle, their well-being can be improved through suitable
approaches.
Perhaps it could be due to lack of extensive studies in particular aspects which
are likely to be ignored. As such, it is important to look deeper at the use and sustainability of the resources of the Orang Asli through research and documentation.
Additionally, we may able to bridge the gap in research relating to Orang Asli communities and provide a medium for more studies on them. As the population of
some of the Orang Asli sub-ethnic communities (e.g., Bateq, Semoq Beri, Lanoh,
Che Wong, Kintak and Orang Kanaq) is decreasing, there is an urgent need to document studies towards the well-being of their communities to ensure knowledge
transfer for their future generations.
The Orang Asli: Resources and Sustainable Livelihood book presents deeper
information on the Orang Asli with illustrations to capture the hearts and minds of
the general and serious readers. This book is special as it provides the reader with
various aspects of the study, including science, applied science, social science, economics and modelling. Furthermore, this book provides explanation and information on the genetic structure of the Orang Asli. The natural sciences examine the
usage and importance of forest resources as one of the components to sustain the
Orang Asli livelihood. From aquatic to terrestrial components, various resources
become an important part of the life of the Orang Asli. Apart from that, their traditional knowledge was included as an important aspect of their resource use and
sustainability. Meanwhile, social science and management look at the Orang Asli
culture, lifestyle and practices.
Another challenge to creating a sustainable livelihood for the Orang Asli is our
lack of understanding of their behaviour. Therefore, this book is aimed to provide
information and bridge with the gaps in research regarding the sustainability of the
Orang Asli. It is intended for researchers and graduate students to understand more
about the Orang Asli. We hope that by introduce the Orang Asli to the public, this
community will be recognised and become a part of society. Also, based on the
Introduction