The Orang Asli and Native Community. They're More Diverse Than We Think!

The indigenous people of Malaysia are some of the oldest inhabitants of the land. Their historically-rich, mysterious lifestyles, and cultures have been the subject of fascination to many.

A Penan lady in Sarawak.

From the more popular Orang Asli, Iban, and Dusun community, to the lesser known Lun Bawang people, they are usually just referred to as 'dan lain-lain' (others).

Temuan people in Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Jenuk in Dengkil, Selangor.

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So, who are these people? What is their history and where are they now?

The indigenous community in Malaysia is mainly divided by the Orang Asli who are native to Peninsular Malaysia, and the other native tribes that live in Sabah and Sarawak.There are about 3,652,096 indigenous people in Malaysia and they make up 11.8% of the local population.

(Source: International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences:The Orang Asli Profile in Peninsular Malaysia: Background & Challenges)

An orang asli mother and child.

The literal translation of the Malay term 'Orang Asli' is 'original people'. The Orang Asli are generally classified under three main groups - Negrito (Semang), Senoi, and Proto-Malay (aboriginal Malay), with about 18 ethnic groups under them, collectively.

The three main groups of Orang Asli mostly live in different parts of Peninsular Malaysia, namely: 1. Negrito - northern region. 2. Senoi - central region. 3. Proto-Malay - southern region. Bateq, Jahai, Kensiu, Kintaq, Lanoh, and Mendriq are some of the ethnic groups under Negrito Orang Asli, while the Senoi group is made up of a few other ethnic divisions including the Mah Meri, Jah Hut, Chewong, Temiar, Semai, and Semaq Beri people. As for the Proto-Malay group, there's Orang Kanaq, Orang Kuala, Orang Seletar, Semelai, Jakun, Temoq, and the Temuan people. Altogether, there are about 205,000 Orang Asli living in various parts of Peninsular Malaysia now, representing about 0.84% of the national population.