Transmission and Documentation of Orang Asli Indigenous Knowledge in ‘Green Technology’ for Sustainable Development in Malaysia
Regina Lambin, Norwaliza Abdul Wahab, Goh Swee Choo
Faculty of Education and Human Development, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjung Malim, Malaysia
Ramlee Mustapha
Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjung Malim, Malaysia
Ramle Abdullah
Faculty of General Study and Continuing Education, Sultan Zainal Abidin University, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Roslin Md Sharif
Film Director, Seven Crew Production, 48000 Rawang, Malaysia
Abstract
This study aims to preserve and document the corpus of Orang Asli Indigenous Knowledge in ‘Green Technology’ (IKGT). This knowledge is at risk of being lost due to the impact of colonization, habitat destruction and modernization. Indigenous knowledge of Orang Asli is naturalistic and environmentally friendly which is used to reduce the human impact on the environment as well as to create a sustainable development. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the indigenous knowledge in green technology of Orang Asli and how they transmit this knowledge to preserve their environment. This study adopts a qualitative approach through exploratory study whereby the study was carried out at the Orang Asli settlements located in Peninsular Malaysia. Data sources were obtained from the village headman (Tok Batin) and tribal elders who served as informants using in-depth interview, field observation, and document analysis. The conceptual framework in this study was based on An Integrated Model of Indigenous Economy, Social World and Ecosystems Model. Five aspects; (i) medicine, (ii) food, (iii) handicraft, (iv) music, and (v) forestry were selected to be studied. The interviews were audio-recorded for data analysis, transcribed verbatim and analyzed through Atlas.ti software. The key result of this study reveals that Orang Asli tribes in the designated area practice IKGT throughout their lives. This study contributed to the body of knowledge in terms of expanding the Orang Asli indigenous knowledge. The finding also shows that Orang Asli conserves natural resources without damaging the biodiversity. The implication of this study is to educate and inculcate awareness among all levels of the community to practice environmental sustainability and in the future to make the environment ‘greener’.
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In-Text Citation: (Lambin et al., 2019)
To Cite this Article: Lambin, R., Wahab, N. A., Choo, G. S., Mustapha, R., Abdullah, R., & Sharif, R. M. (2019). Transmission and Documentation of Orang Asli Indigenous Knowledge in ‘Green Technology’ for Sustainable Development in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research Business and Social Sciences, 9(5), 195–213.
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