Lawad, Ye’ Yo’ and Tum Yap : The manifestation of forest in the lives of the Bateks in Taman Negara National Park

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore the manifestations of the forest in the lives of the Bateks who reside within the vast region of the Taman Negara National Park in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Such manifestations emerged from the mutual relationship between the Bateks and their surroundings of the forest. In the Bateks belief system, there exist the concept of Lawad, Ye' Yo' and Tum Yap; all of which represent the Bateks' unique way of giving value to the forest. Lawad, Ye' Yo' and Tum Yap are the manifestations of how the Bateks navigate themselves in the forest. The Bateks see that the forest represents a dynamic dimension which has to be calmed through good spirits and behavior because the physical environment is a medium for the spiritual world to express its feelings, thinking, decisions, and punishments. This belief is to them the best way in endearing themselves to the environment. To the Bateks, all concerns for the forest could be settled through this belief.

A Systematic Literature Review on Bateq Aborigine Attitude towards Support for Tourism Development in Taman Negara Pahang, Malaysia

“…The Bateq people's traditional existence in the national park was centred on a traditional hunting and cultural lifestyle (see figure 1.0). In other words, it is a settlement constructed by Bateq based on the necessities of the period, as observed in the Kuala Terengganu camp (Zahari et al, 2016). Planned settlement in Kampung Kuala Atok, an area that borders the National Park, was built by the JHEOA (Department of Orang Asli Affairs), which provides the necessary infrastructure for a permanent settlement for Bateq (Endicott et al, 2016).…”

“…This is because of the natural nomadic instinct to get into the forest at a particular time and return to the village some other time (Abd Halim et al, 2021). The existence of permanent settlements following the growing tourism industry is more to the point that traditional villages become permanent settlements when they become tourist attractions, such as camping in the Cave of Ear and Dedari (Zahari et al, 2016). Zulkipli et al (2021) identify various problems and challenges faced by the Orang Asli in achieving a progressive society, such as poverty, difficulty in asset production, lack of education, and political power.…”

“…According to Tribe (2010), there have been several resettlements of Orang Asli projects with various basic facilities through the implementation of development projects by the government. In the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the government has committed to developing and improving Orang Asli's lives (Zahari et al, 2016).…”

“…Several research appears to have been undertaken on this subject. As a result, Bateq indigenous sentiments toward tourism development remain elusive (Frochot, 2005), with concerns for planning and management (Zahari et al, 2016).…”

“…Indigenous tourism encompasses activities involving the indigenous people's presentation of festivals (Ardiyansah, 2022). Tourism based on the Orang Asli may empower, encourage, and promote indigenous peoples and cultures (Zahari et al, 2016). Orang Asli faces a severe problem due to the negative influence of tourism development on their society.…”