Orang Asli facts and icons

THE Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia are generally classified under three main groups – Negrito, Senoi and Proto- Malay, with about 18 ethnic groups under them.

The Negrito comprises the Bateq, Kensiu, Kintak, Lanoh, Jahai and Mendriq ethnic groups who can be found in the interiors of Kedah, Hulu Perak, Kelantan and northern Pahang.

The Senoi consists of the Temiar, Semai, Semoq Beri, Jahut, Mah Meri and Che Wong ethnic groups, most of whom live in the slopes of the Titiwangsa mountain range in the interiors of Perak, Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu.

The Proto-Malay, meanwhile, is made up of the Kuala, Kanaq, Seletar, Jakun, Semelai and Temuan ethnic groups, most of whom live near Malay communities in Melaka, Selangor, Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Besides Isa, other Orang Asli individuals who have made a name for themselves include JAKOA director- general Ajis Sitin, Fisheries Department deputy director-general Datuk Dr Bah Piyan Tan, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn lecturer Dr Muhamad Zulafif Rahim, Perak Orang Asli Foundation management chairman Datuk Suki Mee and former Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Juli Edo.

The number of eminent Orang Asli may be small but the fact that some of them have done well in life is proof of their ability to compete with others in the mainstream society, provided they are given the same opportunities as others. — Bernama