The importance of forest resources as a source of income for the Orang Asli of Kampung Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

The indigenous community known as the Orang Asli peculiarly chooses to live in isolated areas of Peninsular Malaysia. They are often associated with poverty and a traditional way of life in spite of the country's rapid development. The poverty rate of Orang Asli communities is the highest in Malaysia. Therefore, the government has prioritized their needs in its 5-year development plans. Nevertheless, the living standard of the Orang Asli has yet to improve with regard to income, employment prospects and education status. This study identifies the sources of income and forest conservation practices of Orang Asli in a village in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. Four respondents were chosen to in this study and data were collected through interviews and observations, which were then analyzed qualitatively. The results found that the main source of the Orang Asli's income in the village is from the sale of forest products, such as agarwood, rattan and herbs, besides occasional hunting yields.