The Orang Asli Community

The Orang Asli community in Malaysia can be divided into three main ethnic groups: Negrito, Senile, and Porto Malay. The Negrito is mostly found inhabiting the northern and easter parts of Peninsular Malaysia. They represent three percent of the total number of Orang Asli population in the country. They make their homes on the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range in the middle of Peninsular Malaysia. This group is divided further into a number of sub-ethnic groupings such as: Kensiu, Kintak, Jahai, Lanoh, Mendriq, and Bateq. They are are nomadic and gathering juice produce.

The ethnic Senoi makeup the largest group and possess characteristics similar to the Melanesian, Austroloid, and Nest. In terms of physical statue, they are slightly taller than the ethnic Negrito, with curly hair, and lighter skin. This ethnic group represents fifty-five percent of the total number of Orang Asli population in the Peninsular and can be divided into two big groupings: Senoi Temiar in the north and Senoi Semai in the south. They practice hunting, shifting agriculture and seeking out jungle produce such as rattan and the gaharu wood.

The Proto Malay inhabits the southern parts of the Peninsular. They migrated from Yunnan (southern China) to the peninsular about 5000 years ago, making Johor their place of residence. This group represents almost forty-two percent of the Orang Asli community the country. Fishing is their main source of livelihood, with products from the sea being their main food staple.