The Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia: A Closer Look at Orang Asli and Other Native Communities

Semai Women (Image by Satibi)

Malaysia is home to a diverse range of Indigenous communities, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and historical significance. Among them, the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, the Orang Ulu of Sarawak, and the Anak Negeri of Sabah represent the original inhabitants of the land. Despite their rich heritage and deep-rooted connection to Malaysia’s history, these communities continue to face challenges, particularly in securing land rights and preserving their way of life.

Who Are the Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia?

The Indigenous population in Malaysia can be broadly categorised into three main groups:

1. Orang Asli (Original People) of Peninsular Malaysia

The Orang Asli, meaning “original people” in Malay, are the indigenous inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia. They are divided into 18 subgroups under three major categories:

• Negrito (Semang) – Traditionally hunter-gatherers who reside in the northern region.
• Senoi – The largest group, primarily engaged in agriculture and living in the central part of the peninsula.
• Proto-Malay (Aboriginal Malay) – Found mostly in the southern region, some of whom share cultural similarities with the Malay population.

2. Orang Ulu (Upriver People) of Sarawak

Orang Ulu is a collective term for the indigenous communities living in Sarawak’s interior, often along riverbanks. This group includes:

• Kayan, Kenyah, and Kelabit – Known for their elaborate beadwork, longhouses, and musical instruments such as the sape (a traditional lute).
• Penan – A semi-nomadic group that historically relied on hunting and gathering but is increasingly adopting a settled lifestyle.

3. Anak Negeri (Native Peoples) of Sabah

In Sabah, the term Anak Negeri refers to the indigenous communities, which make up a significant portion of the state’s population. Major ethnic groups include:

• Kadazan-Dusun – The largest indigenous group, known for their agricultural traditions and rice-farming expertise.
• Murut – Once fierce headhunters, they are now primarily farmers and hunters.
• Rungus and Bajau – The Rungus are skilled artisans, while the Bajau are known as “sea gypsies” due to their strong maritime heritage.

Demographics and Distribution

According to the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), as of 2020, Indigenous peoples comprised approximately 11% of Malaysia’s total population. However, their distribution varies significantly across regions:

• Orang Asli (Peninsular Malaysia): Represent only 0.8% of the national population.
• Indigenous peoples of Sarawak: Make up nearly 50% of the state’s 2.45 million population, with major groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu.
• Indigenous peoples of Sabah: Form the majority, comprising 62% of the state’s 3.4 million residents.

While some indigenous communities have integrated into mainstream society, many continue to reside in remote areas, maintaining their traditional lifestyles despite increasing external pressures.

Historical Context and Challenges

Colonial Influence and Early Policies

Prior to European colonization, indigenous communities played a significant role in regional trade and governance. The Orang Laut, seafaring indigenous people, were key allies of the Malacca Sultanate.

However, many other Orang Asli groups were historically marginalised, with some subjected to enslavement. The derogatory term sakai (meaning slave) was once used to refer to them.

During the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), British authorities established resettlement programs for the Orang Asli to prevent them from aiding communist insurgents. This marked the beginning of government intervention in their way of life.

Post-independence, Malaysia’s policies shifted towards the “modernisation” of indigenous communities, promoting cash-crop agriculture, replacing traditional leadership with government-appointed figures, and increasing Islamic missionary efforts.

Land Rights and Legal Struggles

Despite existing legal frameworks recognising Indigenous land rights—some dating back to British rule—implementation remains inconsistent. Indigenous land is frequently encroached upon by large-scale development projects, including plantations, logging, and infrastructure expansion.

• Sarawak & Sabah: Customary land laws exist but are often overridden in favor of economic projects.
• Peninsular Malaysia: The Orang Asli’s land rights are not explicitly covered under the National Land Code but are recognized through common law and the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954.

Although Malaysia has adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and endorsed the Outcome Document of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, it has yet to ratify ILO Convention 169, a key international treaty on indigenous rights.

The Impact of Development on Indigenous Communities

Economic development has brought both opportunities and challenges for Malaysia’s indigenous peoples. While some benefit from government programs aimed at improving healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, others face displacement due to land seizures and deforestation.

From the 1980s onwards, policies promoting the integration of Orang Asli communities have increasingly taken on religious dimensions, with state agencies actively encouraging conversion to Islam through incentives.

Additionally, rapid industrialisation and urban expansion have led to widespread loss of ancestral lands, often without adequate compensation.

Preserving Indigenous Heritage and Rights

Efforts to safeguard Indigenous rights and traditions continue, with advocacy groups pushing for stronger legal protections and greater recognition of Indigenous contributions to Malaysia’s cultural identity. Grassroots movements and NGOs are working to document traditional knowledge, protect sacred sites, and support indigenous-led sustainable development initiatives.

Malaysia’s indigenous communities are an integral part of the nation’s history and cultural landscape. However, challenges related to land rights, legal recognition, and cultural preservation remain ongoing.

As Malaysia continues to develop, the implementation of stronger legal protections and policies that recognise Indigenous rights will play a crucial role in determining the future of these communities. Ensuring that their heritage, traditions, and way of life are acknowledged and safeguarded will be essential in maintaining the country’s diverse cultural identity.