 | This article needs attention from an expert in Malaysia. The specific problem is: This is a complex politically-charged issue relying on foreign-language source material.. (August 2022) |
 A group of Orang Asli from Malacca in folk costume | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
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 Malaysia | |
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| Animism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism[1] | |
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Orang Asli[a] are a heterogeneous indigenous population forming a national minority in Malaysia. They are the oldest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia.
As of 2017, the Orang Asli accounted for 0.7% of the population of Peninsular Malaysia.[2] Although seldom mentioned in the country's demographics, the Orang Asli are a distinct group, alongside the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and the indigenous East Malaysians of Sabah and Sarawak. Their special status is enshrined in law.[3] Orang Asli settlements are scattered among the mostly Malay population of the country, often in mountainous areas or the jungles of the rainforest.
While outsiders often perceive them as a single group, there are many distinctive groups and tribes, each with its own language, culture and customary land. Each group considers itself independent and different from the other communities. What mainly unites the Orang Asli is their distinctiveness from the three major ethnic groups of Peninsular Malaysia (ethnic Malays, Chinese, and Indian) and their historical sidelining in social, economic, and cultural matters.[4] Like other indigenous peoples, Orang Asli strive to preserve their own distinctive culture and identity, which is linked by physical, economic, social, cultural, territorial, and spiritual ties to their immediate natural environment.[5][6]
- ^ "Statistik Agama Yang Dianuti Oleh Masyarakat Orang Asli Mengikut Negeri - Agama Masyarakat Orang Asli (November 2018) - MAMPU".
- ^ "Indigenous World 2020: Malaysia - IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs". www.iwgia.org. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ "Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Revised 1974)". www.commonlii.org. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
- ^ "Center for Orang Asli Concerns". coac.org.my. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
- ^ Colin Nicholas (1997). "The Orang Asli of Peninsula Malaysia". Magick River. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
- ^ "Malaysia - Orang Asli". Minority Rights Group International. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2017.
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