Social Science and Human Research Bulletin

This article examines the role of customary land as the foundation of Orang Asli identity in Peninsular Malaysia, with particular attention to development conflicts, legal protection and social marginalisation. Employing a qualitative document analysis approach, the study draws upon academic literature, legal instruments, judicial decisions and official reports to examine the interrelationship between these dimensions. The findings indicate that customary land extends beyond its function as a physical or economic resource, serving instead as the foundation of a holistic socio-cultural system that sustains collective identity, cultural continuity and intergenerational relationships. The loss of customary land therefore results not only in the displacement of communities but also in the erosion of cultural identity, the weakening of social cohesion and the disruption of traditional knowledge across generations. The study further demonstrates that conflicts over customary land arise not simply from competing legal claims but from fundamentally different conceptions of land and development. While government authorities and private developers generally perceive land as an economic asset, Orang Asli communities regard it as an ancestral homeland that embodies profound social, cultural and spiritual significance. These tensions are further exacerbated by weaknesses in the legal framework, particularly the gap between the judicial recognition of customary land rights and their effective implementation in practice. Social marginalisation is likewise found to reflect long-standing structural inequalities rather than a temporary socioeconomic condition. By integrating the dimensions of identity, development, legal protection and social marginalisation within a single analytical framework, this study offers a more comprehensive understanding of customary land conflicts and highlights the need for more inclusive and participatory approaches that recognise Orang Asli communities as equal partners in decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods.

customary land, development conflict, Indigenous identity, Orang Asli, social marginalisation

1. Anaya, S. J. (2004). Indigenous peoples in international law (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
2. Azima, A. M., Lyndon, N., Sharifah Mastura, S. A., Saad, S., & Awang, A. H. (2015). Orang Asli Semelai: Conflict of defending land ownership rights. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6(4 S3). https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p125 (Semak DOI sebenar sebelum penghantaran.)
3. Benjamin, G., & Chou, C. (Eds.). (2002). Tribal communities in the Malay world: Historical, cultural and social perspectives. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.
4. Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027
5. Bulan, R., & Locklear, A. (2008). Legal perspectives on native customary rights in Sarawak. SUHAKAM.
6. Dentan, R. K., Endicott, K., Gomes, A. G., & Hooker, M. B. (1997). Malaysia and the original people: A case study of the impact of development on indigenous people. Allyn & Bacon.
7. Don, A. G., Nasir, B. M., & Ibrahim, A. F. (2019). Pembangunan komuniti asli dari perspektif akademia. e-Prosiding Kolokium Penyelidikan Siswazah Kebangsaan 2019.
8. Fan, K. H. F., Chang, T. C., & Ng, S. L. (2020). The Batek's dilemma on indigenous tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 83, Article 102948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2020.102948
9. Hassan, N. C., & Thava, M. (2017). Motivation and academic achievement: A case study of Malaysian Aboriginal (Orang Asli) students. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 7(Special Issue). https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v7-i14/3687
10. Idrus, R. (2011). The discourse of protection and the Orang Asli in Malaysia. Kajian Malaysia, 29(Suppl. 1), 53–74.
11. International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs. (2026). The Indigenous World 2026: Malaysia. https://iwgia.org/en/malaysia/5972-iw-2026-malaysia.html
12. Jauny, A. (2020). Jacques de Morgan's explorations in the Malay Peninsula, 1884. Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.
13. Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli. (n.d.). Portal rasmi Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli. https://www.jakoa.gov.my/
14. Jabatan Ketua Pengarah Tanah dan Galian Persekutuan. (n.d.). Kanun Tanah Negara 1965. https://www.jkptg.gov.my/my/panduan/senarai-undang-undang/kanun-tanah-negara
15. Kamaruddin, K. (2006). The life of the Indigenous people in West Malaysia: Integration of Orang Asli into Malays. Jurnal Peradaban Melayu, 4.
16. Kerajaan Negeri Johor & Anor v. Adong bin Kuwau & 51 Ors, 1 MLJ 418 (1997).
17. Khan, I. N. G., Mohd, K. W., Hassan, F. M., & Wook, I. (2021). Customary land rights of Orang Asli: A case study in Kampung Parit Gong, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. UUM Journal of Legal Studies, 12(1).
18. Malaysian Bar. (2002). Sagong Tasi & Ors v Kerajaan Negeri Selangor & Ors. https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/news/court-judgments/judgments/sagong-tasi-ors-v-kerajaan-negeri-selangor-ors-2002-high-court
19. Mat Dong, M., Midmore, P., & Plotnikova, M. (2022). Understanding the experiences of Indigenous minorities through the lens of spatial justice: The case of Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. Regional Science Policy & Practice, 14(5), 1223–1240. https://doi.org/10.1111/rsp3.12512
20. Mohamad bin Nohing (Batin Kampung Bukit Rok) & Ors v. Pejabat Tanah dan Galian Negeri Pahang & Ors, 5 MLJ 268 (2013).
21. Mohd Tap Salleh. (1990). An examination of development planning among the rural Orang Asli of West Malaysia (Doctoral dissertation, University of Bath).
22. Nicholas, C. (2000). The Orang Asli and the contest for resources: Indigenous politics, development and identity in Peninsular Malaysia. International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs & Center for Orang Asli Concerns.
23. Nicholas, C. (Ed.). (2014). Orang asal: Sebuah pengenalan bergambar. Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia.
24. Noraziah Abu Bakar, Hussain, F., Nor Hashim, H., & Abdullah, R. (2021). Equitable compensation for Orang Asli upon eviction: The Malaysian experience. International Virtual Colloquium on Multi-disciplinary Research Impact.
25. Salim, S. S. M., & Ali, Z. A. H. (2023). Human capital: An analysis across the Orang Asli groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Akademika, 93(1), 27–39. https://doi.org/10.17576/akad-2023-9301-03
26. Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia. (2013). Laporan inkuiri nasional mengenai hak tanah orang asal/asli. SUHAKAM.
27. Undang-Undang Malaysia. (2006). Akta Orang Asli 1954 (Akta 134). Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad.
28. United Nations. (2007). United Nations declaration on the rights of Indigenous peoples. United Nations.
29. Wan Teh, W. H. (1988). Kesinambungan budaya Melayu-Orang Asli. Sari, 6, 31–46.
30. Wook, I. (2015). The Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 and the recognition of Orang Asli land rights. UUM Journal of Legal Studies, 6(1), 63–83.