Orang Asli Research Articles

Altruistic and Egoistic Prosocial Behaviors among Orang Asli Adolescents: Its Relations to Attachments and Prosocial Value

Altruistic and Egoistic Prosocial Behaviors among Orang Asli Adolescents: Its Relations to Attachments and Prosocial Value

Vitamin E Levels in Ethnic Communities in Malaysia and Its Relation to Glucose Tolerance, Insulin Resistance and Advanced Glycation End Products: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Malaysian national morbidity surveys on diabetic prevalence have shown ethnical variation among prediabetic and diabetic populations. In our attempt to understand this variation, we studied the α-tocopherol, insulin resistance, β-cell function and receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) levels, as risk factors of type 2 diabetes, among the different ethnicities. In total, 299 subjects of Malay, Chinese, Indian and aboriginal Orang Asli (OA) heritage were recruited from urban and rural areas of Malaysia by stratified random sampling. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and insulin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In subjects with pre-diabetes, OAs had the highest α-tocopherol level, followed by Chinese and Malays (0.8938, 0.8564 and 0.6948 respectively; p < 0.05). In diabetic subjects, Malays had significantly higher RAGE levels compared to Chinese and Indians (5579.31, 3473.40 and 3279.52 pg/mL respectively, p = 0.001). Low α-tocopherol level (OR = 3.021, p < 0.05) and high insulin resistance (OR = 2.423, p < 0.05) were linked strongly to the development of pre-diabetes. Low β-cell function (OR = 5.657, p < 0.001) and high RAGE level (OR = 3.244, p < 0.05) were linked strongly to the development of diabetes from pre-diabetes. These factors might be involved in the development of diabetes, along with genetic and environmental factors.

Prevalence and Modifiable Risk Factors of NonCommunicable Diseases among Jakun Orang Asli at Tasik Chini, Pekan, Pahang

Introduction: Non-communicable disease accounted for 73% of premature death in year 2015 Malaysian national survey. The orang asli population may be affected similarly. The prevention of non-communicable diseases should start as early as modifiable risk factors prevention, as proposed by STEPWISE approach of WHO. This study aims to identify the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia among Jakun orang asli population and examine the association with risk factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study analysing 72 case reports of General health screening done in year 2015. The study population was adult Jakun orang asli Tasik Chini using cluster sampling followed by simple random sampling methods. Chi Square test was used for bivariate analysis of relationship each variable has with the diseases, and binary logistic regression was used to analyse association of covariates with each disease. Results: The prevalence was 41.7% for hypertension, 25% for Diabetes mellitus, 6.9% for dyslipidaemia. Education level was significantly related to hypertension, X2 = 11.565 (1), p =0.001; obesity was significantly related to diabetes, X 2 = 8.333 (1), p=0.004. After adjusted for covariates, low education level has 13.379 odds of getting hypertension. Obesity has 7.384 odds of getting diabetes mellitus; female gender has higher odds of getting dyslipidaemia while younger age, physically active and not smoking are protective factors. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was found among Tasik Chini orang asli population. Lower sociodemographic characteristics and unhealthy lifestyle factors are associated with the diseases.

Soil Transmitted Helminth Infection among Children Admitted to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms still persist in rural and urban areas of developing communities. Recent studies in Malaysia focused on Orang Asli communities and none in the hospital settings. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors for STH among children admitted to Paediatric ward of the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA). This study was conducted among 135 (78 males, 57 females) patients in HTAA from December 2017 to May 2018. Faecal samples were examined using wet smear, Kato-Katz, Harada-Mori and sedimentation techniques. Demographic data and hygiene practice information were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. The overall prevalence of STH was 5.9% (A.lumbricoides 5.2%, T.trichiura 0.7%, and hookworms 0.7%). Prevalence among males was 3.8% and females 8.8%. Majority (95.6%) were Malays. Chi square analysis showed that factors significantly associated with STH infections are household monthly income (p&lt;0.05), education level of mother (p&gt;&lt;0.05) and father (p&gt;&lt;0.05), the source of drinking water (p&gt;&lt;0.05), the method of garbage disposal (p&gt;&lt;0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed garbage disposal via burning as a risk factor of STH infections (p= 0.021, OR=23.8, 95% CI=1.6- 350.06). Conclusion: This study shows that the prevalence of STH infections is low in children probably due to the effective implementation of control programs and good hygiene practice. Differences in individual lifestyles and the humid weather condition are probable reasons for sporadic infection to still exist.&gt;

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.

Molecular detection of pathogens from ectoparasites recovered from peri-domestic animals, and the first description of a Candidatus Midichloria sp. from Haemaphysalis wellingtoni from rural communities in Malaysia

Rural communities in Malaysia have been shown to be exposed to Coxiella, Borrelia and rickettsial infections in previous seroprevalence studies. Further research is necessary to identify the actual causative agents and the potential vectors of these infections. The arthropods parasitizing peri-domestic animals in these communities may serve as the vector in transmitting arthropod-borne and zoonotic agents to the humans. Molecular screening of bacterial and zoonotic pathogens from ticks and fleas collected from dogs, cats and chickens from six rural communities in Malaysia was undertaken. These communities were made up of mainly the indigenous people of Malaysia, known as the Orang Asli, as well as settlers in oil palm plantations. The presence of Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia, and rickettsial agents, including Rickettsia and Anaplasma, was investigated by performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis was detected in one out of eight pools of Ctenocephalides felis fleas. A relapsing fever group Borrelia sp. was identified from one of seven Haemaphysalis hystricis ticks tested. The results from the PCR screening for Anaplasma unexpectedly revealed the presence of Candidatus Midichloria sp., a potential tick endosymbiont, in two out of fourteen Haemaphysalis wellingtoni ticks tested. C. burnetii was not detected in any of the samples tested. The findings here provide evidence for the presence of potentially novel strains of rickettsial and borrelial agents in which their impact on public health risks among the rural communities in Malaysia merit further investigation. The detection of a potential endosymbiont of ticks also suggest that the presence of tick endosymbionts in the region is not fully explored.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: COMPARISON BETWEEN ORANG ASLI AND MALAY FROM RURAL AREA IN NEGERI SEMBILAN, MALAYSIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

The study evaluates the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practices of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adult Orang Asli and Malay ethnicity in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study involving 634 respondents aged 18 years and above of Orang Asli (51.3%) and Malays (48.7%) from the rural villages. Structured interview questionnaire for disease history and KAP level conducted. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels then measured. Prevalence of NCDs was higher among Malays compared to Orang Asli with hypertension (35.0% vs 14.8%), hypercholesterolemia (31.1% vs 5.2%), and diabetes mellitus (16.2% vs 4.3%), respectively. Malays also had a higher percentage of being abdominal obese (70.6% vs 59.7%) and increased blood pressure (54.4% vs 29.8%). Multivariate analysis indicates hypercholesterolemia [OR=6.035 (95%CI: 3.150,11.561)], abdominal obesity [aOR= 1.807 (95%CI: 1.065, 3.067)], and increased in blood pressure [aOR= 2.359 (95%C1: 1.619,3.437)] have a significant relation with Malay ethnicity. For Orang Asli, 51.7% had poor knowledge, 72.3% had a good attitude, and 16.0% had a good practice. Knowledge and attitude scores were significantly less among Orang Asli with no significant difference for practice compared to the Malays. The prevalence of NCDs among the Malays is alarmingly high, with an increasing trend among Orang Asli, which needs immediate attention. The NCDs and obesity were significant among Malays but also showed a worrying trend in the Orang Asli as the good practice on a healthy life-style was low in both ethnicities. Thus, proper education and promotion regarding NCDs needed for diseases screening and prevention.

Assessment of Food Security, Anthropometric and Cognitive Function among Orang Asli Children in Pahang, Malaysia

Introduction: Forest clearing for agriculture plantations and local community settlements may triggerfood insecurity, which causes poor development, predominantly in Orang Asli children. This cross-sectionalstudy was conducted to determine the relationships between food security and anthropometric and cognitivefunction among Orang Asli children in Temerloh, Pahang. Materials and methods: A total of one hundred andsixty-seven children (ages 7 to 11) from five selected Orang Asli villages (Kampung Sungai Enggang, KampungPenderas, Kampung Pasu, Kampung Lubok Wong, and Kampung Pian) were involved in this study. The foodsecurity index was assessed using the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument.Anthropometric indices were based on height-for-age and BMI-for-age Z-scores, while cognitive performancewas tested using Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (R-CPM). Results: A majority (91.6%) of therespondents reported some kind of food insecurity (12.6% household food insecure, 74.2% individual foodinsecure, and 4.8% child hunger). Rates of stunting, thinness, and overweight/obesity were 25.8%, 16.2%,and 18.0%, respectively. A majority (46.1%) of the children had average cognitive scores, followed by belowaverage (38.3%) and above average (15.6%), respectively. Height-for-age was significantly associated withcognitive function (p=0.008). Among sociodemographic factors, household size (p=0.007) and householdincome (p&lt;0.05) were significantly associated with the food security index, whereas the educational statusof the child was significantly associated with height-for-age (p=0.013) and cognitive function (p=0.003).Conclusion: Food insecurity remains a risk factor for child development impairment in the Orang Aslicommunity. Undernutrition remains a major health concern among respondents; however, no associationwas found between food security index and cognitive function.

Mastery of Understanding the Meaning of Parables by Orang Asli of the Temiar Tribe Students through Malay Proverb

This study aims to explore comprehension mastery for the meaning of parables by the Orang Asli of the Temiar Tribe. The design of this study is a case study involving a total of five Form Two Orang Asli students of the Temiar Tribe as study participants. Form two students were chosen because they have already been exposed to parables at the secondary school level, from when they were in form one. Study data were analysed qualitatively using the adaptation and modification of Semiotic Theory and Social Constructivism Theory. The study participants answered a total of three parable questions in a set of Cermin Minda. Parables are one of the types of proverbs which are listed in the Curriculum and Assessment Standard Document for the Malay Language, for Form Two students. The results of the study found all of the study participants failed to give the correct answer when stating parables and their meanings based on the matching visual objects given in the question. Based on the answer given, the study participants can state the name of the visual object in the matching visual object, but unfortunately, they were not able to state the correct parable. This is because the answers given by the study participants do not reflect the actual parable itself. Only one study participant was able to express the parable correctly. However, all other study participants failed to provide the correct answer for the meaning of each parable. Based on the findings of this study, Orang Asli of the Temiar Tribe students are still weak in stating parable and their meanings. Teachers need to give the special and continuous attention.

Parental child feeding practices and growth status of Orang Asli children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between parental child feeding practices with growth status of Orang Asli (OA) children in Negeri Sembilan.Design/methodology/approachThis is a cross-sectional study conducted amongst 190 OA children aged 4–6 years studying at Tabika KEMAS OA in Negeri Sembilan. Mothers were interviewed to obtain socio-demographic information while feeding practices were assessed using Malay version of Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ-M). Growth status of the children were determined using WHO ANTHRO Plus software. Three indicators of growth status assessed were weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age (BAZ) z-scores.FindingsThe mean score for feeding practices used by the mothers while feeding their child showed that most of the mothers practiced modelling (3.71 ± 0.82), encouraging balance and variety (3.52 ± 0.76) and environment (3.66 ± 0.66) while the practice of restriction to weight (1.85 ± 0.79) and emotional regulation (2.20 ± 0.96) were low. Most of the OA children had normal WAZ (70.0%), HAZ (71.1%) and BAZ (84.2%). Amongst the three indicators of growth status, BAZ was used to study the relationship with feeding practices. The use of feeding practices such as pressure (r = −0.34, p < 0.01), food as a reward (r = −0.23, p=<0.01), child control (r = −0.18, p = 0.01) and restriction to weight (r = 0.19, p = 0.01) were associated with BAZ.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only focussed on OA children of Temuan and Semelai sub-ethnics studying at kindergarten specific for OA children, thus findings could not be generalised to the entire OA population in Malaysia.Social implicationsThere is a need to address the OA population as they continue to be amongst the most disadvantaged population often affected with poor health and social outcomes.Originality/valueIn this study, a wide range of scales in that represents different feeding practices in CFPQ-M was assessed instead of focussing on limited type of feeding practices. Thus, a better understanding was observed regarding the healthy and unhealthy feeding practices. The result of this study could be useful to update the existing literature of OA research, and to plan suitable interventions with regards to feeding practices and growth status of the children, especially amongst this vulnerable community.

Indigenous (Orang Asli) Primary School Mathematics Performance in Selangor, Malaysia

The education performances among the indigenous group in Malaysia are deprived. Although the Government has given serious attention and continuous efforts to improve it, its performance is far behind other groups, especially in mathematics subjects. Hence, this study would like to identify the year six students from indigenous primary school’s mathematics performance. Additionally, we investigated if their perception, interest, and knowledge will influence the performance in mathematics. Eighty-six of the year six primary students from five indigenous schools in Selangor, Malaysia, participated in this study. Statistical techniques such as cross-tabulation, t-test, ANOVA, and Spearman rho correlation uses in detailed analysis. Overall, the result identified that the level of performance is low, even though they have a positive perception of learning mathematics. The result also indicated that those who have a high level of interest performed better. Finally, the study suggested that an intervention initiative at the elementary level is crucial, especially on the delivery system, involving teachers and others responsible for these students' education and welfare. Moreover, the Government should be given serious consideration in any national transformation program to ensure that indigenous peoples can stand alike with other groups in Malaysia.

Indigenous (Orang Asli) Primary School Mathematics Performance in Selangor, Malaysia

Indigenous (Orang Asli) Primary School Mathematics Performance in Selangor, Malaysia

Using field training in indigenous communities as a method of creating awareness of the one health concept among Malaysian university students: a non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study

BackgroundThis paper describes the result of workshops conducted to increase the knowledge and awareness of university students using a multidisciplinary, collaborative, multisectoral and trans-disciplinary approach concerning One Health and the indigenous people of peninsular Malaysia called the Orang Asli.MethodsA non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study was carried out among medical, veterinary and allied health students from six public and private universities who attended workshops on One Heath in two Orang Asli communities living by the Temenggor lake in Malaysia as part of the Malaysia One Health University Network (MYOHUN) efforts in training future and present One Health workforce.ResultsThere was a significant increase in various aspects of knowledge and interest concerning One Health and the Orang Asli. The mean knowledge scores of One Health (p < 0.001) and Orang Asli (p < 0.001) increased significantly post workshop. A repeated measures ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction showed the mean scores of knowledge of One Health F (1, 166) = 127.198, p < 0.001) and Orang Asli F (1, 166) = 214.757, p < 0.001) differed statistically significantly between the two time points. The test revealed that the score differences for knowledge on One Health (mean difference = 1.796, p < 0.001) and Orang Asli (mean difference = 4.940, p < 0.001) were statistically significant. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference in the knowledge on Orang Asli between the students of different courses F (4,166) = 3.734, p-0.006. The difference in the One Health knowledge scores between the students of different courses was not statistically significant F (4,166) = 0.998, p = 0.410.ConclusionsEmphasis on field training in relation to One health can provide university students greater levels of preparedness to combat zoonotic diseases.

Development of Infographic Character Design of Malaysian Mah Meri Tribe’S Animal Masks As Learning Media of Traditional Masks

Malaysian Mah Meri Tribe’s Mask is one primitive mask which existence has become an artifact stored in the museum and a learning media for younger generations on their culture. Masks that had been created are representations of ancestors and they were used in worshipping ceremonies dedicated to the ancestors. The mask is used for funerals (tiwah), fertility rites, and serves as the provision of the dead in the grave or as the grave watcher (Martono: 2017). Mah Meri tribe is a sub-ethnic group of orang asli who live along the Selangor coast. This community group has settled for a long time in the region and their daily life is farming. Among the routine life of the Mah Meri tribe, there is the Mah Meri mask dance that tells the history of the ancestors of the tribal people who represent animals that live on the ground, in swamps or rivers which they encountered, both having good and bad impacts on their lives. The problem arose when the Mah Meri Tribe animal mask was displayed in the Museum of Asian Art with a lack of information, this is not enough to be used as a learning medium. The research method used is Borg and Gall’s development model which simplified into 4 steps namely: (1). research and information collecting, (2). Planning, (3). develop a preliminary form of product, (4). final product revision. The result of this development is a learning media application that can help tourists of all ages to learn the mask of Orang Asli of Malaysia at the museum more easily.&#x0D; Keywords: Character Design, Infographics, Mask, Mah Meri

The Impact of Orang Asli Students’ Learning Styles on Their Achievement of Meaningful Learning

Orang Asli was the original people, who are majority of them located in peninsular Malaysia. They are facing a difficulty in education since less meaningful environment created for them which integrate their preferable learning styles. Additionally previous studies show that Orang Asli students had low motivation level in learning since less condusive education enviroment developed for them. Thus, it is important that teachers have a sound understanding of their students’ different learning styles. The significance of understanding students’ learning styles also applies to Orang Asli students. However, perhaps due to their isolation, this group’s need for meaningful education has not been widely studied. Consequently, a lack of literature on their learning styles is apparent. This study aims to measure whether the learning styles positively affect meaningful learning among Orang Asli students. A quantitative research was conducted which involved 72 Orang Asli students from an Orang Asli community in Selangor, Malaysia. The data was collected using the Meaningful Hybrid E-Training Instruments. Data was analyzed with the SmartPLS 3.0 software. The research findings show that the instrument is highly reliable and valid. Moreover, it has been discovered that Orang Asli students’ learning styles have a positive effect upon their meaningful learning. This study demonstrated that teaching and learning activities catering to these students’ different learning styles allow meaningful learning to be achieved more successfully. Therefore, teachers are highly encouraged to take into account the various learning styles of Orang Asli students in their teaching in order to help them achieve meaningful learning.

Implementing Project-Based Learning for Sustainability Management Course at Postgraduate Level

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which a student gains knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic project, engaging in complex questions, problems, or challenges. The PBL for sustainability management course was designed to achieve the student learning outcomes and to help develop skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and self-management. The project features a real-problem in an Orang Asli Settlement at Pos Kuala Mu, Perak. The challenge for the students is to propose sustainable eco-tourism activities and at the same time conserve and uphold the traditional knowledge and Orang Asli heritage. The target of this project is to increase the income of the Orang Asli and thus improve their economic sustainability. Students were engaged in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, applying their knowledge and gathering information. The project was successfully implemented and can be concluded that implementation of PBL in sustainability management course for postgraduate students achieved the course outcomes and the programmes outcomes. &#x0D; Keywords: Project-based Learning (PBL), Sustainability Management, Postgraduate

Strategic Considerations for KINDERGARTENS in Leading Learning of Orang Asli Students

This paper discusses strategic considerations derived from findings of a grounded theory study exploring the process of leading learning among Orang Asli students. Using Glaser’s Classic Grounded Theory method, the study captures learners’ voices and analyses how they have survived the schooling process despite the challenges and deficit theorising surrounding them. The emerging findings make explicit five strands of roles that contributed to the success of Orang Asli primary education: parents, learners, kindergartens, primary schools and significant others. In this paper, however, the authors focus on the role of kindergartens in leading the learning of Orang Asli students. The findings capture the concerns, actions and provisions that supported Orang Asli students in transiting the home to school journey. Strategic considerations for improvement of kindergartens leading learning of Orang Asli students are discussed in context with implications for practice. By listening to learners’ voices, kindergartens can reflect and raise their commitment for contextually inclusive pedagogy that avoids deficit theorising.

Involvement of Orang Asli Youth in Vocational Education and Training in Malaysia: Aspirations and Outcomes

Skilled human capital is highly important in economic development. This career aspiration is to create a skilled workforce in a country. A lack of Orang Asli involvement in vocational fields is worrisome for many parties, especially the government. Thus, this study aims to explore the participation and involvement of Orang Asli youths in Vocational Education and Training (VET). Qualitative research methods were used in this study to provide in-depth knowledge of the involvement of Orang Asli youths in VET. Ten Orang Asli youths from various ethnics groups, aged 17¬–18, were selected as study participants. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews and document analysis. From the analysed data, themes were pointed out and a triangulation technique was performed to determine the validity. The findings showed that awareness about VET among the Orang Asli youth is satisfactory. This paper also will discuss the involvement of Orang Asli youth in VET courses nationally and the unemployment among the Orang Asli youth because of their lack of skills and training required by employers. This paper also presents conclusions and recommendations to improve the participation of Orang Asli youth, especially in employment prospects and to enhance their socio-economic status among the communities for a brighter future.

THE ORANG ASLI IN MALAYSIAN FORMAL EDUCATION: ORANG ASLI TEACHERS’ SENTIMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Stories of native peoples being disenfranchised from modern life and being disadvantaged within different social spheres from the realm of formal education to the world of work are nothing new. Even in developed nations, some native peoples find it hard to adjust to the lifestyles of the majority population, what more within developing countries where the sense of social justice is low and native peoples are left to fend for themselves in the name of development and modernity. Centring on the Orang Asli population of Malaysia, this qualitative research was carried out to map the field before a large-scale academic inquiry is executed at the Royal Belum State Park in the state of Perak, Malaysia for the following two years. Four Orang Asli teachers in the state of Perak were individually interviewed to collect ‘thick’ qualitative data regarding the current state of the Orang Asli population in formal education (i.e., in primary and secondary schools). This research is very much interested in three core subject matters. Firstly, how formal education and the process of schooling play a part in the lives of Orang Asli children and teenagers. Secondly, what should teachers and other educators do to ensure that Orang Asli children and teenagers benefit as much as they could from their primary and secondary schooling. And finally, where is the place of non-formal or informal education within the lifespan development of Orang Asli children and teenagers, as they face increasing challenges to maintain their traditional way of life and living.

THE NON-FORMAL EDUCATION OF ORANG ASLI ADOLESCENTS IN MALAYSIA: FROM COMMUNITY TO UNIVERSITY

Even though the world has crossed into the next decade, non-formal education through community-based learning and other traditional learning avenues remains a powerful force in human lifespan development, especially for native peoples who possess thousands of years of local knowledge. Focusing on the Orang Asli (native peoples) of Malaysia, this empirical study was carried out to map the field before a more extensive research project is executed at the Royal Belum State Park in the state of Perak, Malaysia for the next two years. Six Orang Asli adolescents (three females and three males) from two local institutions of higher learning in Perak were interviewed individually and through focus group discussion sessions regarding their engagement with non-formal education within their own communities, from when they were much younger until they became tertiary level students. This study focuses on three permutations of non-formal education as operationalised by our research questions. First, as stories about the world around the participants that were told by elders in their communities and passed on from one generation to the next. Second, as first-hand experience on indigenous knowledge that is unique to their own communities and still practised by certain community members. And third, as a complementary form of education vis-à-vis the formal process of schooling, particularly for young Orang Asli children. ‘Thick’ qualitative data presented and discussed in this study deepen our understanding of non-formal education for and by the Orang Asli in Malaysia, as examined through contemporary lenses in a new decade of human history.