Indigenous Orang Asli Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude and practice levels regarding malaria among the Semai sub-ethnic indigenous Orang Asli communities in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia: a stepping stone towards the prevention of human malaria re-establishment

BackgroundIn Malaysia, despite a decline in cases, malaria remains a major public health concern, especially among the vulnerable indigenous people (i.e. Orang Asli) in remote areas. Effective preventive and control measures require an evidence-based understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding malaria. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP regarding malaria in an indigenous settlement in Peninsular Malaysia.MethodsA household-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024 in six Semai sub-ethnic indigenous villages in Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. A structured questionnaire was administered to randomly selected individuals (≥ 12 years old) to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and KAP. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and predictors of KAP were determined using logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 267 individuals from 160 households were interviewed. Nearly half had good knowledge (49.4%) and positive attitudes (54.3%) towards malaria, with high practice scores for prevention and control (83.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed higher odds of good knowledge in those aged 40–59 years (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 6.90, p = 0.034), with primary (aOR = 2.67, p = 0.015) or secondary education (aOR = 2.75, p = 0.019), and with previous malaria history (aOR = 5.14, p < 0.001). Higher odds of a good attitude were found in those with secondary education (aOR = 4.05, p < 0.001) and previous malaria history (aOR = 2.74, p = 0.017). Lower odds were observed for the unemployed (aOR = 0.25, p = 0.018) and those collecting forest products (aOR = 0.25, p = 0.049) for attitude and practice, respectively.DiscussionThe overall practice level on malaria prevention was high among the Semai Orang Asli in Pahang. However, to ensure sustainability, the low levels of knowledge and attitude regarding malaria must be strengthened through increased health education and continuous community engagement.

Prevalence and severity of anaemia among the Temiar sub-ethnic indigenous Orang Asli communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia.

Anaemia remains a primary concern of public health in developing countries. Indigenous populations are a significant and frequently underreported group at risk for anaemia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anaemia and identify its determinants in the Temiar sub-ethnic indigenous Orang Asli (OA) community in Peninsular Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 640 indigenous Temiar OA participants from a remote settlement in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews with a standardised pretested questionnaire and through blood samples collected for haemoglobin (Hb) testing. Anaemia status was determined using the Hb level cut-off established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Descriptive analysis was used to determine the prevalence of anaemia, while multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with anaemia. The overall anaemia prevalence was 44.7% (286/640), and the prevalence rates of mild, moderate and severe anaemia were 42.7, 50.7 and 6.6%, respectively. Anaemia-specific prevalence varied significantly by age group (p < 0.001) and was highest in the ≤5 group for both moderate anaemia (43.4%) and severe (42.1%), followed by the 6-17 age group for mild anaemia (39.3%). The prevalence of anaemia was also highest among students (53.9%), with a significant difference observed between the three anaemia severity classifications (p = 0.002). In the multivariate logistic regression, only age groups of 6-17 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.38, p < 0.001), 18-40 (aOR 0.18, p < 0.001) and > 40 (aOR 0.25, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the lower odds of anaemia in the population. This study has highlighted the high prevalence of anaemia among indigenous OA in Peninsular Malaysia and revealed that younger children were positively associated with childhood anaemia. Effective interventions and special attention to this indigenous population need to be implemented to reduce the risk of anaemia.

Equal Opportunities in Rural Tourism Entrepreneurship: Challenges in Malaysia

Summary Malaysia’s rural demography is multi-racial, with a blend of indigenous sub-groups. To advance the socio-economic status of rural communities, the government introduced various incentives and protectionist policies, including targeted measures in tourism development. As rural Malaysia is predominantly home to the Malays, the indigenous Orang Asli and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, these policies are consistent with the government’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard these groups’ welfare. Notwithstanding the equal opportunity premise of the tourism policies, the government’s initiatives to advance rural tourism entrepreneurship arguably benefit some groups more than others. In West Malaysia, this is due to the indigenous Orang Asli’s lack of entrepreneurial readiness, which means that they are less able to capitalize on these opportunities. Consequently, the Malay entrepreneurs reap the benefits of protectionist policies and government aid, while the Orang Asli lag behind in tourism participation. This is arguably the outcome of a broad-brush approach in capacity building, with limited differentiation between the rural communities. Information © The Author 2024

Syncretic Narratives: Ethnic Diversity and Identity Politics in Post-Colonial Malaysia

The account of post-colonial Malaysia is indeed an intricate one, the relationship between the ethnic bunch and identity politics is both dynamic and complicated, creating a syncretic narrative with nuanced understanding of human culture. Delving into the many layers of Malaysia's socio-political landscape to examine the subtle linkages between ethnicity, culture, and power relations. A mosaic of nationalities, each adding to the rich fabric of the country's cultural past. Malaysia is an amalgamation of many customs, dialects, and beliefs, ranging from the Indigenous Orang Asli to the Malay majority, as well as the Chinese diaspora and India. However, underneath the facade of diversity is a crucible of identity politics, where historical grudges and power imbalances collide with current socio-economic realities. The legacy of British Colonialism with its divide and rule strategy, may still be felt in Malaysia's socio-political environment, impacting notions of race and identity today. While attempts to construct a national identity have been made, they frequently collide with notions of ethnic dominance and marginalization, exacerbating tensions and divides within Malaysian society. The quest for a unified national identity is loaded with difficulties, as Malaysia grapples with the complexity of its heterogeneous background while under the constraints of globalization and modernity. Despite the obstructions, there are moments of optimism and resilience as Malaysians traverse the contours of their hybrid identity, gaining strength from the variety that distinguishes their country. Through debate, openness, and a commitment to social justice, Malaysia has the opportunity to break free from identity politics and embrace a more inclusive and equitable future.

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AMONG MALAYSIAS DIVERSE SOCIETY

Religious practices in Malaysian society are an important aspect of their daily lives. Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country, with Islam being the predominant religion, while Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism are also recognized. In the religious practices in Malaysia, there are several key features that influence how Malaysian people carry out their religious beliefs.Firstly, Islam is the primary religion in Malaysia, with the majority of the population being Muslims. Islamic practices include performing the five daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and adherence to Sharia law.Secondly, there are Buddhist religious practices among the Chinese and Thai communities in Malaysia. They follow Buddhist teachings by attending temples, engaging in meditation, and practicing values such as kindness and simplicity.Thirdly, the Indian community in Malaysia practices Hinduism. They worship various Hindu gods and goddesses through religious ceremonies, such as worship and offerings at Hindu temples. Festivals like Deepavali are also part of their religious practices.Fourthly, Christianity is also present in Malaysian society, especially among the indigenous population and the Chinese minority.They attend churches and perform religious rituals based on Christian teachings, including reading the Bible and celebrating Christmas.Fifthly, there are also minority religions such as Sikhism and traditional religions among the indigenous Orang Asli communities. They practice unique religious rituals based on their beliefs.Religious practices in Malaysia often closely intertwine with local culture and artistic heritage. Additionally, Malaysia celebrates various religious festivals with enthusiasm, reflecting the diversity and tolerance in Malaysian society.This study attempts to examine the overview of religious practices in the diverse society of Malaysia. The research uses qualitative methods involving data collection, data analysis usinghistorical research methodology, and document analysis. The study findings indicate that religious practices in Malaysian society reflect the religious and cultural diversity of the country. Despite differences in religious practices and beliefs, Malaysia has successfully achieved a unique religious harmony where various religious communities coexist peacefully and respect each other. This is a significant feature that enriches Malaysias cultural heritage.

Water access and sanitation facilities in the Johor River Basin, Malaysia: A comparison between indigenous and more modernised communities

Abstract Water access, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) data for Malaysia suggest that almost 100% of the population have access to basic sanitation and basic drinking water, but this data may not include marginalised communities and stateless individuals, indigenous or otherwise. The aim of this study was to evaluate WASH provision for residents of the Johor River Basin and evaluate the disparity in facilities between indigenous Orang Asli and more modernised communities. Questionnaires were distributed to eight communities. In total, 899 questionnaires were completed including 100 from indigenous communities and 799 from more modernised communities. Significant differences existed between communities with regard to education levels (p &amp;lt; 0.001), occupation (p &amp;lt; 0.001), household income (p &amp;lt; 0.001), type of toilet, sewage and sanitation facilities (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and perception of health risks and concerns (p &amp;lt; 0.001). There is a significant difference in access to water and sanitation facilities between indigenous and modernised communities. Further study is now required to understand behaviours and educate river-based communities on relevant potential health risks from water contamination in the Johor River Basin.

"Leaderless" resistance? An anatomy of female leadership in Orang Asli grassroots movements

This article unpacks community-level female leadership among Malaysia’s indigenous Orang Asli community. The power dynamics of this community’s relationship with state institutions have been uneven. Critics accuse the authorities of infantilizing the community, through gendered and patriarchal behaviour (for example, male government officers only interact with male heads of communities). Based on the fieldwork including seven interviews with female and male Orang Asli grassroots leaders of an independent, pro-indigenous movement – one which is apparently “leaderless” in terms of its organizational structure – we show how they challenge the abovementioned attitudes through neo-empowerment and agentic efforts, through collective narratives of the environment, camaraderie and compassion. These grassroots efforts also appeal to a new cohort of indigenous people, embody gentle negotiation strategies, and recognize gendered discourses of agency and control. We show how this leads to the creation of a more inclusive, progressive, and feminist-driven empowerment strategy, eventually building resistance to traditional patriarchal structures.

Naturally acquired antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax among indigenous Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaria remains a public health problem in many parts of the world. In Malaysia, the significant progress towards the national elimination programme and effective disease notification on malaria has resulted in zero indigenous human malaria cases since 2018. However, the country still needs to determine the extent of malaria exposure and transmission patterns, particularly in high-risk populations. In this study, a serological method was used to measure transmission levels of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax among indigenous Orang Asli communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Orang Asli communities (i.e., Pos Bihai, Pos Gob, and Pos Kuala Betis) in Kelantan from June to July 2019. Antibody responses to malaria were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two P. falciparum (PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119) and two P. vivax (PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119) antigens. Age-adjusted antibody responses were analysed using a reversible catalytic model to calculate seroconversion rates (SCRs). Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with malaria exposure. The overall malaria seroprevalence was 38.8% for PfAMA-1, 36.4% for PfMSP-119, 2.2% for PvAMA-1, and 9.3% for PvMSP-119. Between study areas, the proportion of seropositivity for any P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens was significantly highest in Pos Kuala Betis with 34.7% (p < 0.001) and 13.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. For all parasite antigens except for PvAMA-1, the proportion of seropositive individuals significantly increased with age (all p < 0.001). Based on the SCR, there was a higher level of P. falciparum transmission than P. vivax in the study area. Multivariate regression analyses showed that living in Pos Kuala Betis was associated with both P. falciparum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.6, p < 0.001) and P. vivax (aOR 2.1, p < 0.001) seropositivities. Significant associations were also found between age and seropositivity to P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens. Analysis of community-based serological data helps describe the level of transmission, heterogeneity, and factors associated with malaria exposure among indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia. This approach could be an important adjunct tool for malaria monitoring and surveillance in low malaria transmission settings in the country.

Higher efficacy of a single dosage albendazole and different soil-transmitted helminths re-infection profiles amongst indigenous Negritos from inland jungle versus those in resettlement at town peripheries.

Demarginalization through initiation of resettlement program since 1978 is an inevitable progress faced by the indigenous Orang Asli (OA) population in Peninsular Malaysia. As Malaysian huntergatherers, the Negrito has been exposed to various environmental-cultural variations. These changes may influence the pattern of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, the common malady amongst OA. This study evaluated the deworming effects of single-dosage albendazole (400 mg) and STH-reinfection rate between Negritos who are still living in the inland jungle versus those living in resettlements at town peripheries (RPS). Stool samples from the consented participants were first examined using the direct faecal smear, formalin-ether sedimentation and Kato Katz techniques. Subsequently, stool collections were carried out in three time points following treatment (i.e., 21 days, 3 months and 6 months). In brief, a total number of 54 Negritos (inland: 24; RPS: 30) with a complete set of stool collection was included in this longitudinal study. This study revealed 72.2% cure rate against T. trichiura in the inland but only 15.0% in the RPS. Although the efficacy of albendazole against T. trichiura was ultimately low in the RPS, 62.6% egg reduction rate (ERR) (arithmetic mean) was noted (p = 0.001). For A. lumbricoides and hookworm, high cure rates were found in both communities (85.7-100.0%). Reinfection for T. trichiura was seen in less than 1 month with higher rate in the RPS (90.0%) as opposed to the inland (44.4%) at 21 days following treatment. This study found that the inland OA had better tolerability to single-dosage albendazole and experienced slower STH reinfection rates versus the RPS. Hence, the selection of albendazole dosage should be targeted and the use of single- dosage albendazole (biannually) would be more suitable for the inland OA. Conversely, we propose the use of 3-days albendazole regimens in the resettled RPS population.

Growth management and prevalence of underweight of indigenous children (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia: a clinical audit

BackgroundMost indigenous people (Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia) live in poverty, and their children are at risk of growth problems due to nutrition deficiency. Routine health and growth assessments are essential to identify these children. This clinical audit aimed to determine the growth management of indigenous children and the prevalence of underweight among these children in Perak state, Malaysia.MethodsA clinical audit was conducted in 2016 after obtaining consensus from stakeholders for audit criteria, forms, and procedures. All weight-for-age growth charts of Orang Asli children aged 2 and below were sampled for retrospective audit. This audit excluded children who required special needs. Growth charts were examined against audit criteria: (i) quality of growth chart plotting (charts were not plotted, incompletely plotted, or incorrectly plotted), (ii) presence of underweight, and (iii) appropriateness of action taken (appropriate or inappropriate action) according to local standard operating policies. Eligible auditors were first trained using simulated growth charts.ResultsOut of 1329 growth charts audited, 797 (60%) growth charts were correctly plotted, 527 (39.7%) were incompletely or incorrectly plotted, and five (0.3%) were not plotted. Overall, 40.0% of the growth chart was plotted incorrectly or completely not plotted. 550 (41.4%) children were found to be underweight, and 71.5% of them received inappropriate care management. Where growth charts were correctly plotted, 283 children were identified with underweight problems, and 194 (68.6%) of them received inappropriate care. For growth charts that were plotted incompletely or incorrectly, 267 children were identified as having underweight problems, and 199 (74.5%) received inappropriate care. The growth status of 265 (19.9%) children was unable to be determined due to incomplete plotting.ConclusionApproximately 40% of indigenous Orang Asli children aged 2 years and under were underweight, and most of them received inappropriate care.

The Oral, Gut Microbiota and Cardiometabolic Health of Indigenous Orang Asli Communities

The Orang Asli (OA) of Malaysia have been relatively understudied where little is known about their oral and gut microbiomes. As human health is closely intertwined with the human microbiome, this study first assessed the cardiometabolic health in four OA communities ranging from urban, rural to semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. The urban Temuan suffered from poorer cardiometabolic health while rural OA communities were undergoing epidemiological transition. The oral microbiota of the OA were characterised by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The OA oral microbiota were unexpectedly homogenous, with comparably low alpha diversity across all four communities. The rural Jehai and Temiar PP oral microbiota were enriched for uncharacterised bacteria, exhibiting potential for discoveries. This finding also highlights the importance of including under-represented populations in large cohort studies. The Temuan oral microbiota were also elevated in opportunistic pathogens such as Corynebacterium, Prevotella, and Mogibacterium, suggesting possible oral dysbiosis in these urban settlers. The semi-nomadic Jehai gut microbiota had the highest alpha diversity, while urban Temuan exhibited the lowest. Rural OA gut microbiota were distinct from urban-like microbiota and were elevated in bacteria genera such as Prevotella 2, Prevotella 9, Lachnospiraceae ND3007, and Solobacterium. Urban Temuan microbiota were enriched in Odoribacter, Blautia, Parabacetroides, Bacteroides and Ruminococcacecae UCG-013. This study brings to light the current health trend of these indigenous people who have minimal access to healthcare and lays the groundwork for future, in-depth studies in these populations.

'Sixteen Naked Indians': First Contact between the British and the Orang Asli

This paper examines a 1592 encounter between the British merchant galleon, the Edward Bonaventure, and a sixteen-man canoe on the coast of the Malay Peninsula. The locals are identified as indigenous Orang Asli of the Semang societal tradition. They were friendly and promised to supply the Edward with food. This fresh fruit may have relieved the British sailors of scurvy. On future voyages, the Captain of the Edward, James Lancaster, supplied his men with a daily ration of fruit juice, keeping them healthy. The advice to consume fruit then became part of the standard medical canon of the East India Company. The experience of the first voyage to the Far East may have contributed to this insight. However, this early meeting between the British and the Orang Asli has yet to be mentioned in the history books.

Research concerning the Indigenous Orang Asli and education: a review of problem representations

ABSTRACT Research findings are necessary to inform, develop, and implement policies and strategies for positive outcome in education for Indigenous communities. This article analyses research publications concerning education for the Indigenous Orang Asli community in Malaysia. By analyzing the problems represented in the research papers, this article highlights how such problems have been shaped, understood, and addressed by researchers. The findings suggest that there are two main perceptions underpinning the various problems researched on Orang Asli and education. The first places Orang Asli themselves as the root of the problems. The second highlights the cultural mismatches between the minority Orang Asli and the majority culture, which are then construed as incompatible with the formal education available for Orang Asli students. These findings can assist future researchers on how to frame their research questions to better address issues related to Orang Asli and education, thus enabling better support for Indigenous education.

Metabolic Syndrome among Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia: A Systematic Review

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. This paper aims to assess the data on metabolic syndrome among indigenous Orang Asli in Malaysia. Searches were carried out using electronic databases of CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus using predefined keywords. Cross-sectional studies of metabolic syndrome using any clinical diagnosis criteria among adult Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia included. Fifteen studies with these criteria were selected, five with metabolic syndrome studies. The general prevalence (weighted mean) of metabolic syndrome in Orang Asli was 26.3% (range: 12.0–39.8). Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in females (30.0%) than in males (19.3%). The most common components of metabolic syndrome were low HDL-C levels (41.0%) and hypertension (33.7%). For abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and abnormal glycemia, the prevalence was; 24.6%, 21.5%, and 14.0%, respectively. Conclusively, the present systematic review brings us closer to an understanding of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among this vulnerable population. The methodological differences among the studies published limit a joint analysis of their results. Nevertheless, finding from this review shows their high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is comparable with other ethnic groups in Malaysia that requires immediate attention from all related parties.

Perceptions and prevention practices on malaria among the indigenous Orang Asli community in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia

BackgroundMalaysia is on track towards malaria elimination. However, several cases of malaria still occur in the country. Contributing factors and communal aspects have noteworthy effects on any malaria elimination activities. Thus, assessing the community’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards malaria is essential. This study was performed to evaluate KAP regarding malaria among the indigenous people (i.e. Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia.MethodsA household-based cross-sectional study was conducted in five remote villages (clusters) of Orang Asli located in the State of Kelantan, a central region of the country. Community members aged six years and above were interviewed. Demographic, socio-economic and KAP data on malaria were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsOverall, 536 individuals from 208 households were interviewed. Household indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage and bed net ownership were 100% and 89.2%, respectively. A majority of respondents used mosquito bed nets every night (95.1%), but only 50.2% were aware that bed nets were used to prevent malaria. Nevertheless, almost all of the respondents (97.9%) were aware that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. Regarding practice for managing malaria, the most common practice adopted by the respondents was seeking treatment at the health facilities (70.9%), followed by self-purchase of medication from a local shop (12.7%), seeking treatment from a traditional healer (10.5%) and self-healing (5.9%). Concerning potential zoonotic malaria, about half of the respondents (47.2%) reported seeing monkeys from their houses and 20.1% reported entering nearby forests within the last 6 months.ConclusionThis study found that most populations living in the villages have an acceptable level of knowledge and awareness about malaria. However, positive attitudes and practices concerning managing malaria require marked improvement.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Lifestyle Related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): A Cross Sectional Study among Indigenous Orang Asli Adults in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: An increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Orang Asli in Malaysia was reported to be associated with their lifestyle changes. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on NCDs among the Orang Asli community and its association with demographic factors of gender, age, and education level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study among consented adult Orang Asli in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, was conducted by a face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice on selected NCD risk factors, complications, and treatment was recorded. Bivariate analysis was performed to test the association between their demographic profile and KAP score. RESULTS: A total of 325 respondents with a mean age of 39.9 (±13.2) ranged from 18 to 83 years old participated in this study. Majority of the participants (72.3%) had inadequate knowledge. Despite the inadequacy, they have a good attitude (72.3%) and a moderate practice level (63.4%). Respondents with higher education backgrounds had significantly better knowledge scores compared to lower education background (p&lt;0.001). Female respondents had better practice scores than male respondents (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the level of knowledge on NCDs among Orang Asli is low with a moderately healthy lifestyle. Improving the Orang Asli understanding of NCDs prevention by incorporating health programs regularly in their community is a strategic method to increase their awareness. Hence, escalating their good practice on NCDs and eventually their health.

Jati-Journal Of Southeast Asian Studies (Volume 25(1))Editorial Note

The latest volume of JATI offers an eclectic mix of scholarship all contributed by writers based in the region. The issue ranges from a discussion of the widespread modern concern with social media, online news sites and the potential for disinformation that Emy Gianan addresses in her work on regional disinformation trends to early maritime contacts between Bengal and the region discussed by Sharmin Akhtar and Hanizah Idris. Several of the contributions address political and economic problems that currently beset all modern and developing societies in the era of the fourth industrial revolution: Amri Dunan & Bambang Mudjiyanto discuss Indonesia’s public relations; Ahmed Azrie Ahmed Barie and his colleagues consider the prospects for Malaysia’s fiscal deficit while O.K. Osekita considers Cambodia’s environmental politics; Ara Joy Uy Pacoma and her colleagues consider economic recovery plans in a Philippine municipality while Lenis Aislinn C. Separa and her associates assess the problems facing those learning English, the language of the fourth industrial revolution, also in the Philippines. Elsewhere, the issue addresses themes specific to the distinctive cultural heritage of South East Asia. Thus Mohammad Fuad Abdullah and his team offer insight into the traditional knowledge and use of natural resources by indigenous orang asli in Malaysia; Shazlin A. Hamzah & Adil Johan assses the role of popular song in establishing Malaysian social identity from the 1950s to the 1990s and Calyd T. Cerio assesses the impact of Abularyo folk healing beliefs on health care in the Partido district of the Phillippines. Regular readers of the journal are likely to find amongst this wide ranging collection something to stimulate and broaden their awareness of the region’s uniquely rich culture.

Oral health-related quality of life among 11\u201312\u2009year old indigenous children in Malaysia

BackgroundPoor oral health among Malaysian indigenous Orang Asli (OA) children may impact on their daily performances.AimTo assess the oral health status, related behaviours, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among OA children in Cameron Highlands (CH), Malaysia, and to identify the predictor(s) for poor OHRQoL.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study involving 249, 11–12 year old OA children from 4 OA primary schools in CH. The children completed a self-administered questionnaire comprising information on socio-demographics, oral health-related behaviours, and the Malay Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Malay Child-OIDP) index followed by an oral examination. Data were entered into the SPSS version 23.0 software. Non-parametric tests and multiple logistic regression were used for data analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 91.2% (n = 227/249). The prevalence of caries was 61.6% (mean DMFT = 1.36, mean dft = 1.01) and for gingivitis was 96.0%. Despite the majority reported brushing their teeth ≥ 2x/day (83.7%) with fluoride toothpaste (80.2%), more than two-thirds chewed betel nut ≥ 1/day (67.4%). Majority of the children (97.8%) had a dental check-up once a year. Nearly three-fifths (58.6%) reported experiencing oral impacts on their daily performances in the past 3 months (mean score = 5.45, SD = 8.5). Most of the impacts were of “very little” to “moderate” levels of impact intensity with 90.2% had up to 4 daily performances affected. Most of the impacts were on eating (35.2%), cleaning teeth (22.0%) and relaxing activities (15.9%). Caries in primary teeth is associated with oral impacts among the OA children.ConclusionsThe 11–12 year old OA children in Cameron Highland had high prevalence of caries and gingivitis with the majority chewed betel nut regularly. Caries in primary teeth is associated with poor OHRQoL. Future programmes should target younger age group children to promote positive oral hygiene practices, reduce caries, and improve quality of life.

Status of visual impairment among indigenous (Orang Asli) school children in Malaysia

BackgroundSchool children are considered a high-risk group for visual impairment because uncorrected refractive errors and problems such as amblyopia can seriously affect their learning abilities and their physical and mental development. There are many studies reporting the prevalence of refractive errors among school children of different ethnic groups in Malaysia, however, studies concerning the prevalence of refractive errors among indigenous or Orang Asli children are very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among Orang Asli children.MethodsOne hundred ten Orang Asli children aged 7 to 12 years old in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia were selected. 51% of these children were boys while the remainders were girls. They underwent visual acuity test, cover test, Hirschberg’s test, ocular external assessment and ophthalmoscopy. Children who failed the vision screening were then referred for further eye examination.ResultsOf these 110 Orang Asli children, 46 failed the vision screening and subsequently 45 of them were confirmed to have visual problems (40.9% of the total subjects). The main cause of visual impairment in this study was refractive error (34.5% of the total subjects) where the main refractive error found was hyperopia (28.2%) followed by amblyopia (2.7%), strabismus (1.8%) and ocular abnormalities (1.8%).ConclusionHence, vision screening and a comprehensive eye examination is very important and needs to be done on all Orang Asli children so that any visual problems can be detect at an early stage to avoid the development of learning difficulties among these already disadvantaged children.

Rural child malnutrition and unsuccessful outcome of food basket programme: does ethnicity matter?

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among five-year-olds and factors associated with unsuccessful outcome of a Food Basket Programme (FBP) in a rural district of Kelantan, Malaysia. Design: Administrative health records from selected health clinics were reviewed. Study sample includes indigenous population or Orang Asli of Malaysia. Unsuccessful outcome was defined according to failure to complete the programme according to growth gain and on-time. Multiple logistics regression was used to assess the associated factors of unsuccessful outcome of FBP. Results: This study showed that the prevalence rates of malnutrition among children below five years old were 34.2% underweight, 16.4% thinness, 32.5% stunting and 3.0% overweight, with Orang Asli children faring the worse. Orang Asli children were also five times more likely to be unsuccessful in the FBP (p < .001). Conclusion: Malnutrition is still prevalent among children below five years old in this rural setting and Orang Asli children are vulnerable to have an unsuccessful outcome from the Food Basket Programme. Further research is necessary to further explain this association to inform policy, specifically for Orang Asli children.