Knowledge and Practices of Bush Meat Consumption among Indigenous People in Belum Forest, Malaysia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction Orang Asli are the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, and theyconsume bush meat as a primary source of protein. Frequent contact with wildlife throughbush meat hunting for consumption and trade leaves people at risk of zoonotic infection. Thisstudy aims to assess the knowledge and practices of the Jahai tribe on the consumption andhandling of bush meat. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted amongJahai adults aged 18 years and above residing in Belum Forest. Due to their semi-nomadicnature of living, convenience sampling was used to select the participants, who wereapproached at their homes. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practicesrelating to bush meat and hygiene. Results The majority of the participants ate bush meatregularly but had poor knowledge about disease transmission. There was a significantassociation between sex and occupation with knowledge. A significant association was foundbetween knowledge on disease transmission with the consumption of bush meat. There wasno association between practice on cooking, hunting activities and handling carcasses andhand hygiene practice with the consumption of bush meat. Conclusion Most Jahai lackedsufficient knowledge on disease transmission and have poor practices regarding the handlingof bush meat and its carcasses, which might put them at a risk of infection. The findings canbe used as baseline data to develop effective strategies such as cultural-sensitive educationalprograms, to deepen the understanding of the community on the risk and prevention ofdeveloping diseases.