The Tenets of The Mah Meri Oral Tradition, Life Issues and Challenges in Pulau Carey, Selangor

Abstract

For many years, the government and many other benefactors have done initiatives to improve the community, however the results were not satisfactory.Therefore, this research will focus to understand the tenets of the Mah Meri oral tradition and to explore the Mah Meri's experience, thoughts and feedbacks to the current issues and challenges.This research has used qualitative method with narrative research design.In-depth interviews were conducted on seven informants and later were analysed thematically.The finding shows that, there are 4 main major concepts that are revolved around the Mah Meri's oral tradition which are: 1) Kemali; 2) Tulah; 3) Bentan; and 4) Maruk.The findings also found that, there are significant number of issues and challenges within the Mah Meri community.Covering the aspect of economics, politics, social, education, culture and belief system, and health and well-being, there are trend shown on how modernization has changed and affected the Mah Meri people's lives.Thus, this research is important not only to navigate deeper and validate on how close our Orang Asli with nature and their belief system, but also a part of efforts in contributing a scholarly review on the Orang Asli oral tradition studies in Malaysia.