Abstract
The Orang Asli consists of 18 distinct tribes mainly living in rural and forested parts of Peninsular Malaysia. Traditionally, many Orang Asli communities follow animistic beliefs, where nature is seen as filled with spirits and ancestors who continue to influence daily life. Despite pressures from modernisation and conversion to world religions, these spiritual traditions remain vital to their cultural identity and community customs. This paper explores the religion and belief systems of the Orang Asli, focusing on their rituals, sacred spaces, and symbolic practices. By analysing oral traditions and ethnographic observations, the study captures the lived expressions of indigenous spirituality. Early findings highlight the significance of ritual leaders, such as shamans and healers, who conduct ceremonies that involve offerings of food, tobacco, animal sacrifices, or symbolic gifts. These rituals aim to achieve healing, success in farming and hunting, and rites of passage related to death, often involving chanting, drumming, dancing, and the invocation of spirits. Sacred natural sites, such as hills, rivers, large trees, and forest areas, are regarded as spiritual realms. For example, the Semai community performs sewang (ritual dance) to heal the unwell, while the Mah Meri perform Puja Pantai (sea spirit worship) with elaborate masks and dances to honour spirits. In conclusion, the belief system of the Orang Asli reflects a vibrant relationship between spirituality, nature and cultural heritage. Understanding these traditions not only enhances anthropological knowledge but also supports cultural preservation, policy development, and the promotion of respect for indigenous worldviews in modern Malaysia.
Presenters
Mohd Roslan RosnonAssociate Professor, Department of Social & Development Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia Muhammad Afiq Abdul Razak
Research Officer, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia Intan Sabrina
Rehabilitation Physician, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Indigenous Spiritualities in Global Perspective
KEYWORDS
Aboriginal people, Orang Asli, Religion, Belief, Culture
