Indigenous Communities In Malaysia Research Articles

Review on the seroprevalence of neglected tropical diseases affecting the indigenous community in Malaysia (from 2010-2022).

The indigenous community in Malaysia also known as Orang Asli have preserved their unique cultural identity in the face of rapid national development and modernization efforts. Over the years, poverty alleviation has become a central pillar of Malaysia development. In this review, seroprevalence report from the Orang Asli and their health status about neglected tropical diseases were collated and analyzed. The review will show the potential areas of research for future development. Specifically, the review will cover a 12-year period preceding the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, offering critical insights into the community health landscape. In depth discussion on the unique impact of the pandemic covering healthcare access, socioeconomic dynamics and community resilience. Analysis revealed the burden of parasitism is high in the community and the sustainability of certain basic access such as clean water and education remains a challenge. Different approaches to improve future intervention strategies were also discussed. The review can contribute to essential knowledge for policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers interested in enhancing the well-being of the Orang Asli community.

Enhancing Housing Awareness and Knowledge: The Malaysia Indigenous Community Outreach Project

This research examines the housing challenges faced by the Indigenous community in Malaysia and implements an outreach initiative implemented by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The aim of this project is to improve living conditions and address issues such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of essential amenities through educational programs and active community engagement. By closely collaborating with local leaders and members, this program offers specialized courses on residency rights, sustainable practices, and practical skills. Furthermore, it sheds light on economic barriers, health risks, and cultural assimilation challenges experienced by these communities. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy measures that integrate economic empowerment with residential improvements while reinforcing legal support for land ownership and residential rights to promote culturally sensitive development policies.

Plasmid‐Mediated Co‐Occurrence of mcr-1.1 in Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamase (ESBL)‐Producing Escherichia coli Isolated From the Indigenous Seminomadic Community in Malaysia

The growing prevalence of commensal antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli poses a significant concern for the global spread of antibiotic resistance. Stool samples (n = 35) from a seminomadic indigenous community in Malaysia, the Jehai, were screened for multidrug‐resistant bacteria, specifically the extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) producers. Subsequently, whole‐genome sequencing was used to provide genomic insights into eight ESBL‐producing E. coli that colonised eight individuals. The ESBL E. coli isolates carry resistance genes from various antibiotic classes such as the β‐lactams (blaTEM, blaCTX-M−15 and blaCTX-M−55), quinolones (gyrA, qnrS and qnrS1) and aminoglycosides (aph(3′)-Ia, aph(6)-Id and aac(3)-IId). Three concerning convergence of ESBL, colistin and metal resistance determinants, with three plasmids from H‐type lineage harbouring blaCTX-M and mcr-1.1 genes were identified. Using the Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) Native Barcoding Kit (SQK‐NBD114.24) in conjunction with the R10.4.1 flow cell, which achieved an average read accuracy (Q > 10) of 99.84%, we further characterised the mcr-1.1‐bearing plasmids, ranging in size from 25 to 28 kb, from three strains of E. coli. This report represents the first whole genome analysis of multidrug‐resistant bacteria, specifically those resistant to colistin, found within the indigenous population in Malaysia. It strongly indicates that the pertinent issue of colistin resistance in the country is far more significant than previously estimated.

Composition and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plants in Kenyah Ethnic, Borneo, Malaysia

Ethnomedicinal plants are an important source of traditional medicine for many indigenous communities around the world. In Malaysia, several indigenous groups rely on these plants to treat a variety of ailments. The Kenyah people are one such group, and they have a rich tradition of using medicinal plants to maintain their health and well-being. In this study, we aimed to understand the composition and utilization of ethnomedicinal plants among the Kenyah people in Malaysia. We conducted a survey of Kenyah community members using a questionnaire and collected data on the plant species they use, the parts of the plants that are used, the methods of preparation and administration, and the ailments that the plants are used to treat. We found that the Kenyah people use a wide variety of plant species for medicinal purposes and that these plants are used to treat a range of ailments, including diabetes, release urine, pain relief and digestive disorders. The plants are prepared and administered in a number of different ways, including boiling, sun drying and grounding; and also administered either internally or externally. The Bland-Altman plot for agreement analysis revealed that the mean difference between the two sets of measurements i.e demographic description of respondents and method of uses for reported medicinal plants was small and within the limits of agreement. Our results provide important insights into the medicinal plant practices of the Kenyah people and add to our understanding of the traditional medicine practices of indigenous communities in Malaysia. Further research is needed to fully understand the medicinal properties of these plants and the optimal ways in which they should be used to treat various ailments. This research can inform the development of new pharmaceuticals, and contribute to the conservation of important plant species. It is also a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and social context in which these plants are used, ...

Prevalence and molecular heterogeneity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in the Senoi Malaysian Orang Asli population.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by reduced G6PD enzyme levels in the blood. This condition is common in populations exposed to malaria; an acute febrile disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. G6PD-deficient individuals may suffer from acute hemolysis following the prescription of Primaquine, an antimalarial treatment. The population at risk for such a condition includes the Senoi group of Orang Asli, a remote indigenous community in Malaysia. This study aimed to elucidate the G6PD molecular heterogeneity in this subethnic group which is important for malaria elimination. A total of 662 blood samples (369 males and 293 females) from the Senoi subethnic group were screened for G6PD deficiency using a quantitative G6PD assay, OSMMR2000-D kit with Hb normalization. After excluding the family members, the overall prevalence of G6PD deficiency in the studied population was 15.2% (95% CI: 11-19%; 56 of 369), with males (30 of 172; 17.4%) outnumbering females (26 of 197; 13.2%). The adjusted male median (AMM), defined as 100% G6PD activity, was 11.8 IU/gHb. A total of 36 participants (9.6%; 26 male and 10 female) were deficient (<30% of AMM) and 20 participants (5.4%; 4 male and 16 female) were G6PD-intermediate (30-70% of AMM). A total of 87 samples were genotyped, of which 18 showed no mutation. Seven mutations were found among 69 genotyped samples; IVS11 T93C (47.1%; n = 41), rs1050757 (3'UTR +357A>G)(39.1%; n = 34), G6PD Viangchan (c.871G>A)(25.3%; n = 22), G6PD Union (c.1360C>T)(21.8%; n = 19), c.1311C>T(20.7%; n = 18), G6PD Kaiping (c.1388G>A)(8.0%; n = 7), and G6PD Coimbra (c.592C>T)(2.3%; n = 2). Our analysis revealed 27 hemizygote males, 18 heterozygote females, 7 homozygote females, and 2 compound heterozygote females. This study confirms the high prevalence of G6PD deficiency among the Senoi Malaysian Orang Asli, with a significant degree of molecular heterogeneity. More emphasis should be placed on screening for G6PD status and proper and safe use of Primaquine in the elimination of malaria among this indigenous population.

Evidence of Submicroscopic Plasmodium knowlesi Mono-Infection in Remote Indigenous Communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysia has maintained zero cases of indigenous human malaria since 2018. However, zoonotic malaria is still prevalent in underdeveloped areas and hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among remote indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six settlements in Kelantan state, from June to October 2019. Blood samples were tested for malaria using microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the Plasmodium cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3) gene. Of the 1,954 individuals who appeared healthy, no malaria parasites were found using microscopy. However, nPCR revealed seven cases of Plasmodium knowlesi mono-infection (0.4%), and six out of seven infections were in the group of 19 to 40 years old (P = 0.026). No human malaria species were detected by nPCR. Analysis of the DNA sequences also showed high similarity that reflects common ancestry to other P. knowlesi isolates. These findings indicate low submicroscopic P. knowlesi infections among indigenous communities in Malaysia, requiring PCR-based surveillance to support malaria control activities in the country.

INDIGENOUS PARENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FORMAL EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA

Background and Purpose: Parents play a crucial role in children's educational attainment. Their perception influences their action in giving better formal education to their children. However, the scenario is different for the Indigenous community in Malaysia where formal education is deemed least important and there is a huge gap for Indigenous education attainment compared to the stream population. This paper aims to elucidate the parent perception of formal education effectiveness among the Indigenous community or Orang Asli (in the Malay language) in Terengganu, Malaysia.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: The research using qualitative methods involved three Indigenous villages in the state of Terengganu. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions and observation. The informants consisted of Indigenous parents, teachers and the officers of the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: Results showed that parents' perceptions are generally stereotyped and unable to stimulate students’ interest. The common problem in teaching and learning is related to parents’ educational background, socioeconomic background, expectations, marital age, surrounding condition and awareness.&#x0D; &#x0D; Contributions: This study has given the real picture of Indigenous parents' perceptions toward formal education. The implications of Indigenous parents’ education problems are significantly associated with degrading interest among students in education, issues of attendance and students' academic performance.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Orang Asli, formal education, academic attainment, parent’s perception, Terengganu.&#x0D; &#x0D; Cite as: Mohd Noor, M. I., Abdullah, M. F., Tedong, P. A., Ahmad Zaini, A., Abd Kadir, N. A., &amp; Abdullah, M. T. (2023). Indigenous parents’ perception of the effectiveness of formal education in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(1), 384-405. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8iss1pp384-405

Exploration of Malay Language Acquisition and Learning Experience among Orang Asli Students

Orang Asli, the indigenous community in Malaysia, is among minority groups facing difficulties acquiring the Malay language as a second language. Poor achievement and lack of research on the secondary school level among indigenous students have motivated the inquisition for this study. Using an ethnographic case study research design, a qualitative research approach was used to explore indigenous students' Malay language acquisition and learning experience. A total of 13 participants were chosen by purposive sampling technique in this research, comprising eight Orang Asli students from the Temiar tribe, two teachers and three of the students' parents. To acquire an in-depth picture of the phenomena, the data was collected using observation methods, interviews, and field notes at the only secondary boarding school of indigenous people on the Malay Peninsula's west coast. The study findings were analysed using the continuous comparison method to identify the themes and subthemes involved. The findings revealed that the learning and acquisition of the Malay language as a second language were among the skills learned in school, just like any other subjects. This study shows that efforts to cultivate the use of the Malay language were found challenging due to the less conducive school and social environments for a second language acquisition process. Thus, this study contributes to a better understanding of indigenous students perceive their second language, which has implications for improving Malay language teaching and learning practices as a second language, particularly among the Orang Asli community in Malaysia.

The Impact of Income Increment Program toward Socioeconomic Changes of Orang Asli in Perak, Malaysia

The Income Increment Program (IIP) is one of the programs introduced to the Orang Asli in 2014 to reduce hardcore poverty rates among indigenous community in Malaysia. This study aims to identify the participation of Orang Asli in the IIP and examine the impact of IIP toward socioeconomic changes. This study involved 110 Orang Asli who participated in the IIP in the state of Perak, Malaysia. The study showed that majority of the respondents involved in agriculture and farming as their main income, while collecting forest produce and rubber tapping as part-time jobs. Among the IIP projects undertaken in the state of Perak are vegetables, calamansi and banana plantations, as well as cattle farming, tilapia farming and stingless bee farming. The findings showed that there was an increment of the income among respondents although majority of them earned less than RM1000 per month. Findings also revealed that the highest impact of IIP is the empowerment in decision making, followed by changes in lifestyle, economic aspects and ownership. Overall, the level of impact is high in empowerment and changes in lifestyle, while moderate in other aspects discussed. Suggested recommendations were discussed for future improvement of IIP.

Lignosus rhinocerotis Cooke Ryvarden ameliorates airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma.

Lignosus rhinocerotis Cooke. (L. rhinocerotis) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in the treatment of asthma and several other diseases by the indigenous communities in Malaysia. In this study, the effects of L. rhinocerotis on allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness were investigated. L. rhinocerotis extract (LRE) was prepared by hot water extraction using soxhlet. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) study was performed in house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma in Balb/c mice while airway inflammation study was performed in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in Sprague-Dawley rats. Treatment with different doses of LRE (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly inhibited AHR in HDM-induced mice. Treatment with LRE also significantly decreased the elevated IgE in serum, Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and ameliorated OVA-induced histological changes in rats by attenuating leukocyte infiltration, mucus hypersecretion and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lungs. LRE also significantly reduced the number of eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF. Interestingly, a significant reduction of the FOXP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes was observed following OVA induction, but the cells were significantly elevated with LRE treatment. Subsequent analyses on gene expression revealed regulation of several important genes i.e. IL17A, ADAM33, CCL5, IL4, CCR3, CCR8, PMCH, CCL22, IFNG, CCL17, CCR4, PRG2, FCER1A, CLCA1, CHIA and Cma1 which were up-regulated following OVA induction but down-regulated following treatment with LRE. In conclusion, LRE alleviates allergy airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, thus suggesting its therapeutic potential as a new armamentarium against allergic asthma.

Impacts of the Tagang programme on an indigenous Dayak community

ABSTRACT The study assesses the impacts of the Tagang programme – a practice of preserving riverine fish species in the restricted area, for nature conservation and ecotourism development – on an indigenous community in Malaysia, using the empowerment framework. The data are collected from in-depth interviews with 27 key informants. Using thematic analysis, this study reveals three main themes – nature conservation, ecotourism development, and participation of local community. Through the Tagang programme, the river ecological system has improved. The village has enhanced community cohesion and collaboration, and developed new ecotourism activities for income generation. The indigenous Dayak community is empowered to lead and operate in the Tagang programme in their village which has resulted in positive economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth among minority indigenous community in Malaysia

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections occurs via fecal-oral route. WHO has reported there are up to 90% of children from poor communities with inadequate hygiene and sanitation prone to at least one STH infection. In Malaysia, the indigenous community (Orang Asli) is the predominant communities prone to STH infections. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs infections among Orang Asli in Kampong Donglai Baru, Semenyih, Selangor. Questionnaires surveys were conducted to gather information on the risk factor associated with the Orang Asli community following with stool samples were collected from the villagers. Basic parasitology method, floatation technique was carried out to determine the type and burden of STHs. Total sample obtained from salt-sugar floatation method were sixty seven (n=67), with 64 (95.5%) were positive for STH infection. The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura was 85.9% (n=55) while Ascaris lumbricoides was 93.8% (n=60). Results shown majority of the villagers have double infection (79.7%, n=51). Several risk factors were found significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with T. trichiura infection such as age factors, education level and frequency of hand washing. However, those risk factors were no significant associated with A. lumbricoides infection. The study showed a higher prevalence rate of STH infection predominantly by Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides within a small group of the Orang Asli community, hence further prevention method like administration of anthihelminthic drug is recommended.

The Isolation of the Socio-cultural of Indigenous Community in Malaysia and Its Effect towards the Interpretation of Islam Law

Majority of the indigenous people who are the original inhabitants in Malaysia inhibit the remote area of tropical forest which is rich in natural resources. Their lives are separated from the outside community due to several factors such as geography, low literacy, negative perceptions of the surrounding community, and the closed-door attitude of the indigenous people. Consistent preaching activities have changed the faith of the indigenous people from animism orientation towards believing in the Oneness of God. The practice of Islam as a way of life in the lives of indigenous peoples is found to be difficult to practice because the fiqh approach presented to them does not celebrate their local condition. In this regard, this study will examine the socio-cultural isolation of indigenous peoples and their impact on the interpretation of Islamic law. To achieve this objective, the researchers have applied the library research method by referring to the literatures related to the discussion of Islamic scholars in various disciplines of fiqh and usūl al-fiqh. The research found that there is rukhsah and taysir approach given to isolated people as well as with local background to facilitate the religious affairs of the indigenous people. Abstrak Majoriti masyarakat Orang Asli yang merupakan penduduk asal di semenanjung Malaysia mendiami kawasan pedalaman di hutan hujan tropika yang kaya dengan khazanah alam. Kehidupan mereka terasing daripada masyarakat luar disebabkan beberapa faktor seperti geografi, kadar literasi yang rendah, pandangan negatif masyarakat sekitar dan sikap tertutup masyarakat Orang Asli. Gerakan dakwah yang dijalankan secara konsisten telah membawa perubahan kepercayaan sebahagian masyarakat Orang Asli daripada berorientasikan animisme kepada mempercayai Tuhan yang Esa. Pengamalan Islam sebagai cara hidup dalam kehidupan masyarakat Orang Asli didapati agak sukar untuk dipraktikkan lantaran pendekatan fiqh yang disampaikan kepada mereka tidak meraikan suasana setempat mereka. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini akan meneliti keadaan isolasi sosio-budaya masyarakat Orang Asli dan kesannya terhadap pentafsiran hukum Islam. Bagi mencapai objektif tersebut, pengkaji menggunakan kajian kepustakaan sepenuhnya dengan menelusuri literatur berkaitan dengan perbincangan sarjana Islam dalam pelbagai disiplin ilmu fiqh dan usul fiqh. Hasil kajian mendapati terdapat rukhsah dan pendekatan taysir diberikan kepada mereka yang hidup terasing serta berlatar belakang budaya setempat bagi memudahkan urusan keagamaan masyarakat Orang Asli.

Copro-molecular study of Entamoeba infection among the indigenous community in Malaysia: A first report on the species-specific prevalence of Entamoeba in dogs

BackgroundEntamoeba is a free-living protozoan parasitic species that infect a variety of hosts. In humans, Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis. Entamoeba species has also been reported in dogs. However, little is known about the molecular epidemiology and the specific species of this parasite in dogs globally, including Malaysia. As dogs are important companion animals for the indigenous community, and close contact with dogs is part of the natural living conditions for this community, this study aims to determine the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba species in human and dogs in Malaysia. MethodThe presence of Entamoeba species was examined in 504 fresh fecal samples, collected randomly from 411 humans and 93 dogs using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying 16 s ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis. ResultsThe microscopy data showed an overall occurrence of Entamoeba species of 26.3% (108/411) and 36.6% (34/93) in humans and dogs respectively. In humans, the most common species was a single infection of E. dispar (26.5%; 13/49), followed by E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii, (20.4% for each species respectively). Double infection of E. dispar + E. moshkovskii was detected at 10.2%, followed by E. dispar + E. histolytica (8.2%) and E. moshkovskii and E. histolytica (6.1%). 8.2% of the samples had triple infection with all three species. In animals, E. moshkovskii (46.7%) was the most common species detected, followed by E. histolytica, and E. dispar, at 20.0% and 13.3% respectively. Double infection with E. moshkovskii + E. histolytica and a triple infection were found in 2 samples (13.3%) and 1 (6.7%) sample respectively. Risk factor analysis showed that members of the community who used untreated water were more prone to be infected with Entamoeba. ConclusionThis study provides information on the species-specific occurrence of Entamoeba infection, the potential risk factors and their zoonotic potential to humans. This is the first report to describe the molecular occurrence of Entamoeba species in dogs in Malaysia. The presence of pathogenic Entamoeba species implies that dogs could be a reservoir or mechanical host for human amoebiasis. Further studies need to be conducted to better understand the transmission dynamics and public health significance of Entamoeba species in human and animal hosts.

KLIKTani: A Concept of a Smart Edible Garden using IOT for Indigenous Community in Malaysia

KLIKTani: A Concept of a Smart Edible Garden using IOT for Indigenous Community in Malaysia

Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Lineages as In Vitro Models for Screening the Neuroprotective Properties of Lignosus rhinocerus (Cooke) Ryvarden

In the biomedical field, there is growing interest in using human stem cell-derived neurons as in vitro models for pharmacological and toxicological screening of bioactive compounds extracted from natural products. Lignosus rhinocerus (Tiger Milk Mushroom) is used by indigenous communities in Malaysia as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The sclerotium of L. rhinocerus has been reported to have medicinal properties, including various bioactivities such as neuritogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective activities of L. rhinocerus sclerotial extracts. Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neural lineages exposed to the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), were used as the in vitro models. Excess glucocorticoids have been shown to adversely affect fetal brain development and impair differentiation of neural progenitor cells. Screening of different L. rhinocerus sclerotial extracts and DEX on the hESC-derived neural lineages was conducted using cell viability and neurite outgrowth assays. The neuroprotective effects of L. rhinocerus sclerotial extracts against DEX were further evaluated using apoptosis assays and Western blot analysis. Hot aqueous and methanol extracts of L. rhinocerus sclerotium promoted neurite outgrowth of hESC-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) with negligible cytotoxicity. Treatment with DEX decreased viability of NSCs by inducing apoptosis. Coincubation of L. rhinocerus methanol extract with DEX attenuated the DEX-induced apoptosis and reduction in phospho-Akt (pAkt) level in NSCs. These results suggest the involvement of Akt signaling in the neuroprotection of L. rhinocerus methanol extract against DEX-induced apoptosis in NSCs. Methanol extract of L. rhinocerus sclerotium exhibited potential neuroprotective activities against DEX-induced toxicity in hESC-derived NSCs. This study thus validates the use of human stem cell-derived neural lineages as potential in vitro models for screening of natural products with neuroprotective properties.

DAMS DISPLACEMENT AND RESETTLEMENT OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN MALAYSIA: GENDER INSIGHTS AND LESSONS FROM SOME CASE STUDIES

What has gender to do with dams displacement and resettlement? The late social anthropologist Elizabeth Colson through her long-term ethnographic research since the 1950s on forced uprooting by development projects with the Gwembe Tonga of Zambia saw the importance to link gender with the experiences of uprooted women, men and children (cf. Colson 1971, 1999). Yet, in practice, gender continues to be overlooked in many dams and resettlement schemes everywhere. This paper critically reviews issues of dam-induced displacement and resettlement of indigenous communities in Malaysia from a gender lens. It begins by examining resettlement of dam-displaced indigenous communities in Malaysia, particularly in my research areas, to highlight gendered and social consequences, and linkages with ancestral land rights and access to resources. The next section then examines issues of compensation, resettlement and rehabilitation processes. It concludes with gender insights and lessons from my case studies on dam decisions and resettlement processes. The paper argues that dam displacement and resettlement issues are highly gendered, and frequently associated with top-down decisions that seek to legitimise land acquisition of indigenous peoples’ lands in the name of “development”. I thus call on decision makers and implementers to adopt a more responsible and gender-responsive approach to “development”.

Primate research and conservation in Malaysia.

Abstract Malaysia is inhabited by ≥25 nonhuman primate species from five families, one of the most diverse primate faunas on earth. Unfortunately, most Malaysian primates are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, hunting and the synergies among these processes. Here, we review research on primates and issues related to their conservation in Malaysia. Despite the charisma and cultural importance of primates, the importance of primates in ecological processes such as seed dispersal, and the robust development of biodiversity-related sciences in Malaysia, relatively little research specifically focused on wild primates has been conducted in Malaysia since the 1980s. Forest clearing for plantation agriculture has been a primary driver of forest loss and fragmentation in Malaysia. Selective logging also has primarily negative impacts on primates, but these impacts vary across primate taxa, and previously-logged forests are important habitats for many Malaysian primates. Malaysia is crossed by a dense road network, which fragments primate habitats, facilitates further human encroachment into forested areas and causes substantial mortality due to road kills. Primates in Malaysia are hunted for food or as pests, trapped for translocation due to wildlife-human conflict and hunted and trapped for illegal trade as pets. Further research on the distribution, abundance, ecology and behavioural biology of Malaysian primates is needed to inform effective management plans. Outreach and education are also essential to reduce primate-human conflict and demand for primates as pets. Ultimately, researchers, civil organizations, governmental authorities and local and indigenous communities in Malaysia must work together to develop, promote and implement effective strategies for protecting Malaysian primates and their habitats.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic risk factors among indigenous Malaysians

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Orang Asli (OA), the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia. OA consist of Negrito, Proto-Malay, and Senoi groups who collectively comprise only 0.76% of the population of Peninsular Malaysia. Owing to the challenges in accessing their remote villages, these groups are often excluded in larger government health surveys. Although tropical diseases were scourges in the past, with rapid national development, many OA communities have been gradually urbanized. We believe an epidemiological transition is occurring and non-communicable diseases are on the rise. Study designA retrospective cross-sectional study. MethodsIndigenous Malaysians (n = 629) from three major groups (Negrito, Proto-Malay, and Senoi) were recruited, after ethics approval and informed consent. Body mass index (BMI), body weight, height, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured, and participants were examined for acanthosis nigricans. Venous blood samples were used for measurements of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Insulin resistance was estimated using a surrogate measurement TG/HDL-C. The ratios of TC to HDL-C, and of LDL-C to HDL-C were determined. MetS was accessed according to the Joint Interim Statement of the IDF Tsak Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. ResultsMetS affected 29.57% of the OA population investigated and was significantly more prevalent (P < 0.05) in women than in men (35.25% vs 21.95%, P < 0.001). MetS prevalence was the highest among the Proto-Malays (39.56%), followed by Negritos (26.35%) and Senois (11.26%). The most prevalent risk factor among the Negritos with MetS was low HDL-C (95.35%), whereas central obesity was the most common risk factor among the Proto-Malays (82.91%). In contrast, hypertension was the commonest risk factor among the Senois with MetS (94.44%). Elevated TG/HDL-C ratios resulted in the highest risk for MetS among the OA population (relative risk [RR] = 7.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.58–13.72). The risk was almost four-fold among those with high TG (RR = 3.89, 95% CI = 3.08–4.91) and three-fold among those with BMI obesity (RR = 3.37, 95% CI = 2.61–4.36) and central obesity (RR = 2.99, 95% CI = 2.48–3.61). ConclusionsThis may well be the first comprehensive report about MetS in OA indigenous communities in Malaysia. We have shown that rapidly urbanized OA communities had significant prevalence of MetS and associated cardiometabolic risk factors. Major contributory factors may include changes from previous hunter-gatherer lifestyles and subsistence diets to more urbanized lifestyles and easier access to high calorie foods.

Local Currency Model: To Boost Economic Activities of Indigenous Community in Malaysia

The study proposes the local currency model to the Malaysian Indigenous community (Orang Asli) since they are among the nation's hardcore poor. It attempts to measure the probability and level of acceptance in the community if the complementary currency system were to be introduced for their economic activities. Using primary data collected from the survey among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia, the study analyzes the data using Logit model and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results from logistic regression imply that the probability to opt for proposed local currency as an alternative currency is high if it is using agricultural products and backed by national currency. The probability is also high among higher income respondents but low for those with big family size and those who prefer to use Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Using TAM, it is found that ‘perceived usefulness’ and ‘perceived ease of use’ have positive effect on ‘attitude’ to use the proposed local currency. Similar results are found between ‘perceived usefulness’ and ‘behavioral intention’ to use the proposed currency. Thus, through positive attitude, the respondent’s perceptions on the usefulness and ease of use positively affect the behavioral intention of using the new system. The findings could assist the policymakers in implementing local currency model to Orang Asli community to boost their economic activities and pull them out from the circle of hardcore poverty among nations.