Socio-economic development and sustainable livelihood of the Orang Asli

Abstract

Traditionally, the Orang Asli have exemplified the qualities of good stewardship in their interaction with the environment. They have obliged to a vital role in managing and developing the environment through their inherited knowledge and traditional tutelage practices. The assessment of Orang Asli sustainability is commonly related to low socio-economic development indicators. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extant of socio-economic development on the Orang Asli and their perception towards modern development. This research was conducted in Kampung Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia, where the Orang Asli were resettled during the construction of the Sultan Mahmud dam that gave rise to Tasik Kenyir, the largest man-made lake in Peninsular Malaysia. The result showed that 83.9% of the Orang Asli agreed that development growth had changed their social, economic and cultural lifestyle. However, this scenario had sparked great concern among them in continuing their traditional practices and cultures in future. It is found that the young Orang Asli were already influenced by the modern world and refused to practice their heritage cultures and traditions. This study recommended ecotourism as a means of preserving Orang Asli culture while maintaining their traditional practices.