Mah Meri people: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox ethnic group| |
{{Infobox ethnic group| |
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|group |
| group = Mah Meri<br><small>Maq Betiseq / Besisi </small> |
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|image |
| image = [[File:Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula (1906) (14594821020).jpg|300px]] |
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| caption = A ''Batin'' (village chief) of the Besisi people from [[Kuala Langat]], [[Selangor]], [[Malaysia]], 1906. |
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| population = 2,120 (2010)<ref name="MOP">{{cite book|author=Kirk Endicott|title=Malaysia's Original People: Past, Present and Future of the Orang Asli|year=2015|publisher=NUS Press|isbn=978-99-716-9861-4}}</ref> |
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|popplace = [[Pulau Carey]], [[Selangor]] |
| popplace = {{flag|Malaysia}} ([[Pulau Carey]], [[Selangor]]) |
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| langs = [[Mah Meri language]], [[Malay language]] |
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|rels |
| rels = Forest & Natural Spirituality, a type of [[Animism]] and a significant population practicing [[Islam]] or [[Christianity]] |
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|related |
| related = [[Semaq Beri people]], [[Semelai people]], [[Temoq people]] |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Mah Meri''' |
The '''Mah Meri''' are an ethnic group native to western part of [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. They are one of the 18 [[Orang Asli]] groups named by the Malaysian government. They are of the [[Senoi]] subgroup. Most of the members of the Mah Meri tribe live along the coast of South Selangor from [[Sungai Pelek]] up to [[Pulau Carey]], although there is at least one Mah Meri Community on the other side of the [[Klang River]]. |
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According to the Orang Asli Office of the Malaysian government,<ref>http://www.jheoa.gov.my/e-orangasli.htm</ref> they numbered around |
According to the Orang Asli Office of the Malaysian government,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jheoa.gov.my/e-orangasli.htm |title=Department of Orang Asli Affairs | Orang Asli |access-date=2006-12-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210201357/http://www.jheoa.gov.my/e-orangasli.htm |archive-date=2006-12-10 }}</ref> they numbered around 2,200 in 2005.<ref name="CMCD">{{cite web|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2014/04/05/celebrate-mah-meris-cultural-diversity/ |title=Celebrate Mah Meri's cultural diversity |author=Selangor Tourism |publisher=Sinar Harian |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref> Most of the Mah Meri live in small villages ([[kampungs]]) on the fringes of other cities and on Pulau Carey, which has five separate villages of Mah Meri.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/85053 |title=Palm tree shaded island |author=Soong Phui Jee |publisher=Sin Chew Daily |date=8 June 2013 |access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref> |
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The Mah Meri people are internationally well known for their traditional wood carving skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star2.com/culture/books/book-news/2016/02/02/mah-meri-carvers-do-it-with-spirit/ |title=Mah Meri carvers do it with spirit |author=Rouwen Lin | |
The Mah Meri people of Pulau Carey are internationally well known for their traditional wood carving skills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.star2.com/culture/books/book-news/2016/02/02/mah-meri-carvers-do-it-with-spirit/ |title=Mah Meri carvers do it with spirit |author=Rouwen Lin |work=The Star |date=2 February 2016 |access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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Their ancestors are believed to be associated with the arrival of Austro-Asiatic migrants associated with the emergence of fire-cutting agriculture on the Malay Peninsula and the emergence of rice. Due to cultural exchanges and trade, some Mah Meri and Senoi have intermixed with local Negrito tribes. |
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In common with other Orang Asli Villages, each kampung elects its own ''Batin'' (Village Headman) and a council of 'elders' to represent the people living in the kampung. The ''Batin'' is paid an annual salary by the Malaysian government. The ''Bomoh'', who functions as a shaman in their society, plays an important role in the kampung. |
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==Population== |
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The changes in the Mah Meri population are as the following: |
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⚫ | The Mah Meri language, also called '''Besisi''' is |
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{{Historical population |
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| 1960 | 1,898 |
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| 1965 | 1,212 |
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| 1969 | 1,198 |
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| 1974 | 1,356 |
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| 1980 | 1,389 |
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| 1993 | 2,185 |
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| 1996 | 2,185 |
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| 2000 | 3,503 |
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| 2003 | 2,986 |
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| 2004 | 2,856 |
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| 2005 | 2,200 |
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| 2010 | 2,120 |
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|percentages=pagr |
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|source=<ref name="LOTP">{{cite web|url=http://www.coac.org.my/dashboard/modules/cms/cms~file/93c38c2f6837049ec87607013c0c5404.pdf |title=Living On The Periphery: Development and Islamization Among Orang Asli in Malaysia |author=Nobuta Toshihiro |publisher=Center for Orang Asli Concerns |year=2009 |access-date=2017-10-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.iwgia.org/images/publications//0133_95_The_Orang_Asli_and_the_contest_for_resources.pdf |title=The Orang Asli and the Contest for Resources. Indigenous Politics, Development and Identity in Peninsular Malaysia |author=Colin Nicholas |publisher=Center for Orang Asli Concerns & International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs |year=2000 |access-date=2017-10-27 |isbn=87-90730-15-1 }}</ref><ref name="BDS">{{cite web|url=http://www.coac.org.my/main.php?section=about&article_id=4 |title= Basic Data / Statistics |publisher= Center for Orang Asli Concerns |access-date=2017-10-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Alberto Gomes|title=Modernity and Malaysia: Settling the Menraq Forest Nomads|year=2004|publisher=Routledge|isbn=11-341-0076-0}}</ref> |
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}} |
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== |
== Definition == |
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[[File:Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula (1906) (14758624876).jpg|thumb|right|A group forming a "war formation" in [[Jugra]], [[Kuala Langat]], [[Selangor]], [[Malaysia]], 1906.]] |
[[File:Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula (1906) (14758624876).jpg|thumb|right|A group forming a "war formation" in [[Jugra]], [[Kuala Langat]], [[Selangor]], [[Malaysia]], 1906.]] |
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Mah Meri in [[Mah Meri language]] means "Jungle people" (''Mah'' = people, ''Meri'' = jungle).,<ref>{{cite book|author=Asmah Haji Omar|title=Bahasa Mah Meri|year=2006|publisher=Penerbit Universiti Malaya|isbn=98-310-0242-3|page=11}}</ref> while in another term the meaning of the name means '''Bersisik''' (meaning, "scaly" in [[Malay language]])<ref>{{cite book|author=Ab. Aziz Mohd. Zin|title=Dakwah Islam di Malaysia|year=2006|publisher=Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya|isbn=98-310-0381-0|page=21}}</ref> or '''Persisir''' (meaning, "coastal" in [[Malay language]]). They are also considered as [[Orang Laut]] due to them residing in settlements that are nearby seasides and work as fishermen.<ref>{{cite book|author=Asmah Haji Omar|title=Massa: majalah berita mingguan, Issues 425-433|year=2004|publisher=Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad|page=21}}</ref> They are believed to have migrated from the islands in southern [[Johor]] to the coastal shores of [[Selangor]] in order to escape from their enemies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260517575 |title=Mah Meri Onstage: Negotiating National Policies, Tourism, And Modernisation In Kampung Sungai Bumbun, Carey Island, Malaysia |author=Clare Chan Suet Ching |publisher=University Of Hawai’i |pages=49–50 |date=December 2010 |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> |
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Today Mah Meri community has undergone changes in terms of mentality and development as a result of integrating with other neighbouring communities. |
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== Language == |
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⚫ | The Mah Meri language, also called '''Besisi,''' is an [[Austroasiatic languages|Austroasiatic]] language. It is part of [[Southern Aslian languages|Southern]] Aslian sub-branch of [[Aslian languages]], and is related to [[Semelai language|Semelai]], [[Temoq language|Temoq]] and [[Semaq Beri language|Semaq Beri]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Asmah Haji Omar|title=Language and Language Situation in Southeast Asia: With a Focus on Malaysia|year=2003|publisher=Akademi Pengajian Melayu, Universiti Malaya|isbn=98-320-8556-X|page=30}}</ref> There are an estimated 3,000 people still speaking the language, but it is seriously endangered. |
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== Culture == |
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=== Carving === |
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[[File:Mah Meri spider spirit mask (6346812079).jpg|thumb|upright|right|Mah Meri spider spirit mask.]] |
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Many among them are skilled in carving statues that are made from wood. Their carvings include deities, humans, flora and fauna figurines. These carvings have gained recognition from the UNESCO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://seeds.theborneopost.com/2014/07/08/rediscovering-the-mah-meri/ |title=Rediscovering the Mah Meri |author=Patricia Hului |publisher=The Borneo Post Seeds |date=8 July 2014 |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref><ref name="BTWATMH">{{cite web|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/01/bringing-the-worlds-attention-to-malaysias-heritage/ |title=Bringing the world's attention to Malaysia's heritage |author=Nurul Afida Kamaludin |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=1 July 2012 |access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> Handicrafts produce of the Mah Meri community in Sungai Bumbun, [[Kuala Langat]] have high artistic value and the potential to be recognised at an international level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/data/archives/2013/07/05/13/54/preserving-the-skill/ |title=Preserving the skill |author=Leong Siok Hui |work=The Star Online |date=22 July 2006|access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> |
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* [[Sewang dance]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Keluarga/20140222/ke_01/Kekalkan-tradisi |title=Kekalkan tradisi |publisher=Utusan Online |date=22 February 2014 |access-date=2017-10-11}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
In common with other Orang Asli Villages, each kampung elects its own ''Batin'' (Village Headman) and a council of "elders" to represent the people living in the kampung. The ''Batin'' is paid an annual salary by the Malaysian government. The ''Bomoh'', who functions as a shaman in their society, plays an important role in the kampung. ''Main puteri'' (meaning "Playing princess"), a dying ritualistic form of treatment due to Islamisation; is performed by the Mah Meri shaman to rejuvenate patients with emotional depression, physical fatigue or psychological problems caused by metaphysical forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/malaysian-shamans-brave-islams-ill-winds |title=Malaysian shamans brave Islam's ill winds |author=Rouwen Lin |publisher=The Malay Mail |date=5 August 2015 |access-date=2016-11-10}}</ref> |
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== Settlement area == |
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[[File:Geographical location of Orang Asli communities recruited in the study.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Geographical location of Mah Meri people (located in west coast of [[Selangor]]) and other [[Orang Asli]] communities in [[Peninsular Malaysia]].]] |
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Major settlements of the Mah Meri people are:- |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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| Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong |
| Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong |
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| [[Sungai Pelek]] |
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Kampung Orang Asli |
Kampung Orang Asli, [[Tanjung Sepat, Selangor|Tanjung Sepat]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Kurau |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Kurau |
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| Pulau Carey |
| [[Pulau Carey]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Judah |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Judah |
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| Pulau Carey |
| [[Pulau Carey]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Bumbun |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Bumbun |
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| Pulau Carey |
| [[Pulau Carey]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Jugra |
| Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Jugra |
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| Pulau Carey |
| [[Pulau Carey]] |
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|} |
|} |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{Reflist}} |
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<references/> |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{Orang Asli}} |
{{Orang Asli}} |
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{{Ethnic groups in Malaysia}} |
{{Ethnic groups in Malaysia}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia]] |
[[Category:Indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia]] |
Latest revision as of 15:51, 7 December 2023
![]() | |
Total population | |
---|---|
2,120 (2010)[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
![]() | |
Languages | |
Mah Meri language, Malay language | |
Religion | |
Forest & Natural Spirituality, a type of Animism and a significant population practicing Islam or Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Semaq Beri people, Semelai people, Temoq people |
The Mah Meri are an ethnic group native to western part of Peninsular Malaysia. They are one of the 18 Orang Asli groups named by the Malaysian government. They are of the Senoi subgroup. Most of the members of the Mah Meri tribe live along the coast of South Selangor from Sungai Pelek up to Pulau Carey, although there is at least one Mah Meri Community on the other side of the Klang River.
According to the Orang Asli Office of the Malaysian government,[2] they numbered around 2,200 in 2005.[3] Most of the Mah Meri live in small villages (kampungs) on the fringes of other cities and on Pulau Carey, which has five separate villages of Mah Meri.[4]
The Mah Meri people of Pulau Carey are internationally well known for their traditional wood carving skills.[5]
History
[edit]Their ancestors are believed to be associated with the arrival of Austro-Asiatic migrants associated with the emergence of fire-cutting agriculture on the Malay Peninsula and the emergence of rice. Due to cultural exchanges and trade, some Mah Meri and Senoi have intermixed with local Negrito tribes.
Population
[edit]The changes in the Mah Meri population are as the following:
Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
---|---|---|
1960 | 1,898 | — |
1965 | 1,212 | −8.58% |
1969 | 1,198 | −0.29% |
1974 | 1,356 | +2.51% |
1980 | 1,389 | +0.40% |
1993 | 2,185 | +3.55% |
1996 | 2,185 | +0.00% |
2000 | 3,503 | +12.52% |
2003 | 2,986 | −5.18% |
2004 | 2,856 | −4.35% |
2005 | 2,200 | −22.97% |
2010 | 2,120 | −0.74% |
Source: [6][7][8][9] |
Definition
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Pagan_races_of_the_Malay_Peninsula_%281906%29_%2814758624876%29.jpg/220px-Pagan_races_of_the_Malay_Peninsula_%281906%29_%2814758624876%29.jpg)
Mah Meri in Mah Meri language means "Jungle people" (Mah = people, Meri = jungle).,[10] while in another term the meaning of the name means Bersisik (meaning, "scaly" in Malay language)[11] or Persisir (meaning, "coastal" in Malay language). They are also considered as Orang Laut due to them residing in settlements that are nearby seasides and work as fishermen.[12] They are believed to have migrated from the islands in southern Johor to the coastal shores of Selangor in order to escape from their enemies.[13]
Today Mah Meri community has undergone changes in terms of mentality and development as a result of integrating with other neighbouring communities.
Language
[edit]The Mah Meri language, also called Besisi, is an Austroasiatic language. It is part of Southern Aslian sub-branch of Aslian languages, and is related to Semelai, Temoq and Semaq Beri.[14] There are an estimated 3,000 people still speaking the language, but it is seriously endangered.
Culture
[edit]Carving
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Mah_Meri_spider_spirit_mask_%286346812079%29.jpg/170px-Mah_Meri_spider_spirit_mask_%286346812079%29.jpg)
Many among them are skilled in carving statues that are made from wood. Their carvings include deities, humans, flora and fauna figurines. These carvings have gained recognition from the UNESCO.[15][16] Handicrafts produce of the Mah Meri community in Sungai Bumbun, Kuala Langat have high artistic value and the potential to be recognised at an international level.[17]
Traditional dances
[edit]- Sewang dance[18]
- Tarian Jo'oh (Jungle dance)[19]
- Tarian Topeng (Mask dance)[3]
Political organization
[edit]In common with other Orang Asli Villages, each kampung elects its own Batin (Village Headman) and a council of "elders" to represent the people living in the kampung. The Batin is paid an annual salary by the Malaysian government. The Bomoh, who functions as a shaman in their society, plays an important role in the kampung. Main puteri (meaning "Playing princess"), a dying ritualistic form of treatment due to Islamisation; is performed by the Mah Meri shaman to rejuvenate patients with emotional depression, physical fatigue or psychological problems caused by metaphysical forces.[20]
Settlement area
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Geographical_location_of_Orang_Asli_communities_recruited_in_the_study.jpg/300px-Geographical_location_of_Orang_Asli_communities_recruited_in_the_study.jpg)
Major settlements of the Mah Meri people are:-
Name of Kampung | Nearest Town |
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Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong | Sungai Pelek
Kampung Orang Asli, Tanjung Sepat |
Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Kurau | Pulau Carey |
Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Judah | Pulau Carey |
Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Bumbun | Pulau Carey |
Kampung Orang Asli Sungei Jugra | Pulau Carey |
References
[edit]- ^ Kirk Endicott (2015). Malaysia's Original People: Past, Present and Future of the Orang Asli. NUS Press. ISBN 978-99-716-9861-4.
- ^ "Department of Orang Asli Affairs | Orang Asli". Archived from the original on 2006-12-10. Retrieved 2006-12-22.
- ^ a b Selangor Tourism (5 April 2014). "Celebrate Mah Meri's cultural diversity". Sinar Harian. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
- ^ Soong Phui Jee (8 June 2013). "Palm tree shaded island". Sin Chew Daily. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
- ^ Rouwen Lin (2 February 2016). "Mah Meri carvers do it with spirit". The Star. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
- ^ Nobuta Toshihiro (2009). "Living On The Periphery: Development and Islamization Among Orang Asli in Malaysia" (PDF). Center for Orang Asli Concerns. Retrieved 2017-10-27.
- ^ Colin Nicholas (2000). The Orang Asli and the Contest for Resources. Indigenous Politics, Development and Identity in Peninsular Malaysia (PDF). Center for Orang Asli Concerns & International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs. ISBN 87-90730-15-1. Retrieved 2017-10-27.
- ^ "Basic Data / Statistics". Center for Orang Asli Concerns. Retrieved 2017-10-27.
- ^ Alberto Gomes (2004). Modernity and Malaysia: Settling the Menraq Forest Nomads. Routledge. ISBN 11-341-0076-0.
- ^ Asmah Haji Omar (2006). Bahasa Mah Meri. Penerbit Universiti Malaya. p. 11. ISBN 98-310-0242-3.
- ^ Ab. Aziz Mohd. Zin (2006). Dakwah Islam di Malaysia. Akademi Pengajian Islam, Universiti Malaya. p. 21. ISBN 98-310-0381-0.
- ^ Asmah Haji Omar (2004). Massa: majalah berita mingguan, Issues 425-433. Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad. p. 21.
- ^ Clare Chan Suet Ching (December 2010). "Mah Meri Onstage: Negotiating National Policies, Tourism, And Modernisation In Kampung Sungai Bumbun, Carey Island, Malaysia". University Of Hawai’i. pp. 49–50. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- ^ Asmah Haji Omar (2003). Language and Language Situation in Southeast Asia: With a Focus on Malaysia. Akademi Pengajian Melayu, Universiti Malaya. p. 30. ISBN 98-320-8556-X.
- ^ Patricia Hului (8 July 2014). "Rediscovering the Mah Meri". The Borneo Post Seeds. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- ^ Nurul Afida Kamaludin (1 July 2012). "Bringing the world's attention to Malaysia's heritage". The Borneo Post. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- ^ Leong Siok Hui (22 July 2006). "Preserving the skill". The Star Online. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
- ^ "Kekalkan tradisi". Utusan Online. 22 February 2014. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
- ^ "Festival Orang Asli, pribumi pukau pengunjung". Sinar Harian. 26 October 2015. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
- ^ Rouwen Lin (5 August 2015). "Malaysian shamans brave Islam's ill winds". The Malay Mail. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
External links
[edit]- http://projekt.ht.lu.se/rwaai RWAAI (Repository and Workspace for Austroasiatic Intangible Heritage)
- http://hdl.handle.net/10050/00-0000-0000-0003-66E2-7@view Mah Meri in RWAAI Digital Archive
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)