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Background: Orang Asli lifestyle and household setting may influence their health status especially respiratory system and lung functions. This cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the status of lung functions of Orang Asli community and the associated factors. Methods: Data collection was carried out from November 2017 until May 2018 among 211 Orang Asli respondents aged 18 years old and above, who lived in five villages in Tasik Chini, Pahang. All respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Interview-guided questionnaire was administered, and spirometry test that include Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) was carried out. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0. In the first stage, descriptive analysis was done to describe the characteristics of the respondents. In the second stage, bivariable analysis was carried out to compare proportions. Finally, multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the effects of various independent predictors on spirometry parameters. Results: The respondents' age ranged from 18 to 71 years old in which 50.2% of them were female. The majority ethnicity in Tasik Chini was Jakun tribe (94.3%). More than half of the respondents (52.1%) were current smoker, 5.2% were ex-smoker and 41.7% were non-smoker. More than half of them (62.1%) used woodstove for cooking, compared to only 37.9% used cleaner fuel like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a fuel for everyday cooking activity. The lung function parameters (FEV1 and FVC) were lower than the predictive value, whereas the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second and Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/FVC) (%) and PEFR were within the predictive value. The FEV1 levels were significantly associated with age group (18–39 years old) (p = 0.002) and presence of woodstove in the house (p = 0.004). FVC levels were significantly associated with presence of woodstove in the house (p = 0.004), whereas there were no significant associations between all factors and FEV1/FVC levels. Conclusions: FEV1 levels were significantly associated with age group 18–39 years old, whereas FVC levels were significantly associated with the presence of woodstove in the house. Thus, environmental interventions such as replacing the use of woodstove with LPG, need to be carried out to prevent further worsening of respiratory health among Orang Asli who lived far from health facilities. Moreover, closer health monitoring is crucial especially among the younger and productive age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs, perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: Orang Asli's oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera's semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health is essential for an individual's function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing oil palm among the indigenous peoples in Peninsular Malaysia is not uncommon. While individuals' success either economically or academically are lauded and ought to be nurtured and supported, previous study by Wirth believes that collective success is the key not only in elevating the socioeconomic status but also serves as a mean to retain them as a cohesive unit culturally and socially. This study aims in promoting a model for collective development in the form of cooperative in oil palm cultivation of the indigenous peoples. Through simple random sampling and snowball techniques, a total of fifteen small-scale oil palm farmers from an indigenous village in the state of Pahang were interviewed periodically during the months of June till September, 2020. The results of the study found that these indigenous oil palm farmers faced both social and economic issues between the household members as well as within the indigenous community arising from inequalities of income level. At the macro level, a competent cooperative will attain far greater achievements and more beneficial to the indigenous community than a few successful farmers due to the concept of inclusiveness and sustainability. It is hope that the cooperative model can be replicated in other indigenous communities and effectively raise the overall living standard of the indigenous community in Peninsular Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: This study examined the challenges faced by the Orang Asli students from the Jah Hut tribe and their reactions towards the integration of their cultural elements in learning the English language at two Orang Asli schools in Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia. It also sought to investigate students' and teachers' motivation in learning and teaching the subject. Methodology: This critical qualitative inquiry employed a case study approach employing semi-structured interviews and non-participant classroom observations. A total of 14 participants were selected through purposive sampling technique, which consisted of ten Orang Asli students, three Orang Asli teachers, and one Malay teacher from two Orang Asli's schools in Temerloh district. Findings: The findings indicated that integrating the Orang Asli's own culture into the English lessons had captivated their interest immensely. The most motivating and stimulating lessons were centred around cultural celebrations, the use of the native language, cooking the Orang Asli delicacies, and parading and explaining their outfits and costumes. Teachers responded to the importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching strategies' acceptance and use in the classrooms regardless of the composition of the students. Similarly, they felt that the knowledge of understanding the cultures of others is critical as it allows one to understand the struggles, and slowly develop a sense of appreciation towards differences. Contribution: The study highlights pertinent information regarding the issue of a 'one size fits all curriculum', especially in the teaching of the English language with the diversity of people in Malaysia. It also provides suggestions on classroom teaching strategies for multicultural classrooms. It also adds input to the existing literature on the integration of cultural elements in the teaching of the English language to the Orang Asli students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnoprimatology is the study of interaction between human and non-human primates that share integrated social and ecological spaces. Orang Asli depends on the forest product as they are known to consume and utilize the forest products in their daily life, including wildlife such as primates as pets and in food, pets, medicine, belief, and other applications. Owing to increases in anthropogenic activities, wildlife, specifically primate populations, is decreasing alongside abandonment of traditional knowledge among the Orang Asli in Malaysia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to document the primate species consumed and utilized by the Semoq Beri community in Pahang using a semi-structured interview with the aid of questionnaires. The result indicates that Semoq Beri has consumed and utilised five species of primates (Macaca fascicularis, Macaca nemestrina, Trachypithecus obscurus, Presbytis sp., and Hylobates lar) for foods and as pets. The hunting method is similar to that of other Orang Asli tribes, who use blowpipe (sumpit) with a poisonous dart. The hunting of primates in the Semoq Beri community is less nowadays as the community has assimilated with the Malay community, and they claim that the population of primates around them is decreasing tremendously. Findings from this study can be used for a sustainable action plan that involves Orang Asli toward conservation of primate and preservation of traditional knowledge of Semoq Beri people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Orang Asli. Specifically, this study examined the impact of the pandemic on the economic activities of the Jahut tribe residing in Pahang, Malaysia. It used semi-structured interviews with the representatives of the Jahut tribe and found that the economic activities of the Orang Asli are still in the form of self-sufficiency and „enough to live.? This study shows that the Orang Asli's economic activities were originally from finding agarwood, collecting bee honey, and weaving products from rattan. However, the economic activities of the Orang Asli gradually changed as they get more involved in commercial agricultural activities. This study also found that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected their economic activities because they could not sell their harvested crops due to cross-border restrictions. In addition, some planned economic resources along with assistance from several government and non-government agencies had to be postponed since no demand is expected. This study contributes to the existing literature, where it can be used as a future reference related to the field of Orang Asli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health status of the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia is generally considered poorer as compared to the mainstream population. Studies show that the poor health is due to various factors. One of the significant factors is poor communication between the attending doctor and indigenous patient. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of doctor-patient communications in helping to improve the health status of the indigenous communities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 people of the Jakun sub-ethnic of the Pahang State indigenous community. Data were transcribed, coded and subjected to thematic analysis. Results of the study show both positive and negative experiences of doctor-patient communications. Positive experiences indicated effective doctor-patient communications and thus show an increased level of confidence and trust in the attending doctor. This subsequently increases the frequency of health care visits among the indigenous communities. Whereas, negative experiences implied conflict between doctor and patient that was due to limited understanding of the language used by the attending doctor. This further causes patient being treated with minimal knowledge of their illness and patient may never return to the health care anymore. The analysis of the findings suggests that it is of utmost importance to ensure doctors understand the culture of the indigenous communities to promote effective doctor-patient communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Da'wah is an obligation for every Muslim to perform based on their individual and collective ability. When carrying out a da'wah work, it is certain that it will face various challenges depending on the target it is intended to reach. Among the major targets of missionary propaganda in Pahang are the Orang Asli. While the institutions involved in the da'wah efforts of this group is the Islamic Religious Council and Malay Customs Council (MUIP). The purpose of this study is therefore to identify the challenges faced by the Orang Asli community officials and preachers in carrying out the activities planned by MUIP around Pahang Indigenous villages. The design of this study utilizes qualitative methodology through document study instrumentation, observation and interviewing of civil servants who are directly involved in indigenous peoples' preaching activities in Pahang. The findings of the study show that there are 12 key challenges that need to be met in order to implement and succeed in preaching in Pahang: challenges related to the location of indigenous peoples, ignorance of indigenous languages, threats from indigenous peoples, lack of prejudice, bad attitudes and attitudes by local people, competitors Christian missionaries, financial resources, internal problems preacher, the attitude of the original, the attitude of the Malay race, no promise, no Coordination between NGOs. The implications of this challenge require all agencies to come forward and help realize the ongoing missionary effort that is the responsibility of every Muslim depending on their abilities and expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study, in general, addresses the willingness and readiness of the Orang Asli community in Kg Ulu Tual, Kuala Lipis, Pahang to cope with the career transformation due to the decreasing of the forest products which is also their source of income. Respondents for this study were Orang Asli (indigenous people) living in this village. Analysis: To obtain the relevant information, questionnaires were distributed to 44 adults among the Orang Asli participants who voluntarily agreed to be involved in the study. Method: The sampling method used was convenient sampling. All the data obtained in this study was usable for further analysis. For data analysis purposes, descriptive analysis was used to answer the research questions. Findings: The study found that majority of the Orang Asli adults in the village are ready to venture into a new career and is ready to undergo the trainings that are to be provided. Result: The results of this study can provide an understanding of the readiness of the Orang Asli community towards a more holistic career transformation and at the same time it benefits the relevant authorities in their efforts in planning for the training programs and making proper preparation to launch a career transformation program among Orang Asli community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centralized forest management is widely regarded as the catalyst for large-scale forest degradation and the loss of access, use and management rights of forest dependent communities. Forest dependent communities are often regarded as impediments to conservation and left out in sustainable forest management initiatives. This paper is a critique of the effects of centralization and alternative livelihood projects under the guise of conservation in a Jakun community of South-East Pahang, Malaysia. This case study revealed that economic pragmatism takes precedence over conservation in light of decreased autonomy over their traditional resources and rapid socio-economic changes which not only severely impedes their means to secure basic needs, but also their ability and desire to utilize forest resources in a sustainable manner. Therefore, there is an increasing need for local peoples to be involved in the management of their resources to maintain ecological integrity and to meet their subsistence needs. The findings justify the need for forest management units in South-East Pahang to develop a framework that addresses the rights of the Jakun to access, use and manage natural resources, which is a vital precondition for social justice to seek a common ground for sustainable forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]