From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Orang Asli (close to Cameron Highlands) playing a nose flute.

Orang Asli (in Taman Negara) starting fire the traditional way

Orang Asli ("original peoples" or "aboriginal peoples" in Malay) is a general term used for any indigenous groups that are found in Peninsular Malaysia. They are divided into three main tribal groups: Semang (negrito), Senoi, and Proto-Malay. Each group consists of various sub-groups. Semang includes Kensiu, Kintak, Lanoh, Jahai, Mandriq, and Batiq (Batek). Senoi includes Temiar, Semai, Semoq Beri, Jahut, Mah Meri, and Che Wong. Proto-Malay includes Temuan, Semelai, Jakun, Kanaq, Kuala, and Seletar. It must be noted that these subdivisions are sociological, and not linguistic. The Semelai, for example, speak an Austro-Asiatic language, whereas the other Proto-Malay groups speak Austronesian languages. Negrito is usually found in the north, Senoi in the center, and Proto-Malay in the southern part of the Peninsula. There is an Orang Asli museum at Gombak, which is about 25 km north of Kuala Lumpur.

Despite being the earliest inhabitants of the Malay Penisula, 'are not iincluded in the category of peoples having special rights, the bumiputera'¹. For some purposes they are considered in this category by the Government, but it does not give them the special privileges granted to Malays or natives of Sarawak and Sabah by the federal constitution.

Location of Orang Asli groups, and the evolution of settlers on the Malay Peninsula.

According to the Encyclopedia of Malaysia, the Negritos, who number approximately 2,000, are regarded as the earliest inhabitants of the Malay Peninsula. They are of Australo-Melanesian affinity and probably descend from the people of Hoabinhian cultural period, with many of their burials found dating back 10,000 years ago. They speak Austroasiatic languages (now termed Aslian languages), as do their Senoi agriculturalist neighbours. Negritos belong to various subgroups, namely the Kensiu, Kintak, Lanoh, Jahai, Mendriq and Bateq. Those from Perak, Kedah and Pahang are also known as Semang, the meaning of Semang is debt slaves, while those from Kelantan and Terengganu were called Pangan, the forest peoples. The Senoi and Proto-Malay arrived much later probably during the Neolithic period.

• 1: Malaysia and the Original People, p. 21. Robert Denton, Kirk Endicott, Alberto Gomes, M.B. Hooker. (ISBN 0-205-19817-1).
• Encyclopedia of Malaysia, Vol. 4: Early History, p. 46. Edited by Nik Hassan Shuhaimi Nik Abdul Rahman (ISBN 981-3018-42-9).

• The Department of Orang Asli Affairs is responsible for the administration, development and welfare of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia.
• Magickriver.net is a collective of concerned citizens for the various Orang Asli tribes which has produced videos and articles about the lives of the Orang Asli who languish under the responsibility of the Department of Orang Asli Affairs.
• Temiar.com is the protem website of the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) NGO which has presented authoritative articles to the Commonwealth regarding the plight of the Orang Asli tribes.
• Senoipraaq.com is the website of Roy Davis Linville Jumper who has authored several books about the Orang Asli and their jungle fighting skills.
• The Orang Asli Archive is a small collection of online resources about the Orang Asli and hosted by the Mason Library of Keene State College.
• Temuan Web Page Orang Asli Temuan Webpage