Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Economic Activities of Orang Asli in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Orang Asli. Specifically, this study examined the impact of the pandemic on the economic activities of the Jahut tribe residing in Pahang, Malaysia. It used semi-structured interviews with the representatives of the Jahut tribe and found that the economic activities of the Orang Asli are still in the form of self-sufficiency and ‘enough to live.’ This study shows that the Orang Asli’s economic activities were originally from finding agarwood, collecting bee honey, and weaving products from rattan. However, the economic activities of the Orang Asli gradually changed as they get more involved in commercial agricultural activities. This study also found that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected their economic activities because they could not sell their harvested crops due to cross-border restrictions. In addition, some planned economic resources along with assistance from several government and non-government agencies had to be postponed since no demand is expected. This study contributes to the existing literature, where it can be used as a future reference related to the field of Orang Asli.