The Jahai of Royal Belum
The Jahai tribe of Orang Asli have been living in Royal Belum for generations. They are one of the 18 tribes of indigenous people in Malaysia. It has been postulated that the Orang Asli settled in the country some 25,000 years ago.
Oldest Indigenous People
The Jahai tribe is part of the Negrito ethnic group, who are the oldest indigenous people in Peninsular Malaysia. The Jahai community still retains their nomadic forest-based lifestyle. Their income is mainly from harvesting non-timber forest products such as agarwood, herbs, honey, frogs and fish. Sometimes they will work as porters for houseboats and tour operators in the area.
The most impressive forest outcomes can be gained through the empowerment of indigenous people