The fortunes of the Orang Asli or indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia has change over the six decades since Merdeka. While a tiny population in demographic terms, their historical contributions to the economy, culture and knowledge of the ecology Peninsular cannot be denied. But top-down development policies, pressures to exploit the resources of their environment and the push to assimilate have marginalised the community. Responding to these pressures, Orang Asli youth have in recent years produced their own cultural revival. In conjunction with upcoming Malaysia Day, we explore the issues of the community.

This is a report by Jason Lim. 

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Tags:  Malaysia,  orang asli,  race malaysia,  merdeka,  community,  government policies