Importance Of Semelai Culture In Malaysia

1.0: Introduction

1.1: Definition of Indigenous People Orang asli are the aboriginal communities that stay along the villages, rural areas in the Peninsular Malaysia. In Malaysia, there are various ethnic groups that make this country their home. Orang Asli community with their heterogenic system of culture contributes to the country’s unique cultural. Their philosophy in life can be seen manifested in their religion, beliefs, cosmology and taboos that dictate their behavior and interaction with man and nature.

1.2: Type of Orang Asli

According Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Orang Asli is divided into 3 main groups which are Proto Malay, Senoi and Negrito. These three main groups are diversified by language, lifestyle, dwellings, facial features and skin color. These three main groups are

4.1: Berodong If Semelai men are ready to get married, the men will stay at the girl’s house for three days and sleep with her parents’ acknowledgement. On the forth night, the men then will bring the girl to his house to sleep at his house. The next day, the girl’s family will go to that man’s house to find that ‘missing’ girl who is ‘supposedly’ was taken away by a man. That couple will be brought to Batin and will get married based on a custom named “adat sebatang rokok” provided they both have no problem of “sumong”

4.2: Bertunong It means when a man have met his chosen girl, he will inform his family to go to the girl’s house. If both families agree, they will decide an engagement day and Batin will handle the ceremony. Men side must prepare all the presents to give to the girl and engagement must not merrier from marriage day. These are the things that must be practiced in their culture: -Ring (compulsory), Jewellery (if afford), Make-up