Indigenous villages in Pahang need comprehensive census, environmental group says

An environmental advocacy group has urged authorities in Pahang to conduct a comprehensive census of Orang Asli communities, raising concerns that the state's official registry may not reflect the true number of indigenous settlements.

The group contends that the 264 Orang Asli villages currently listed by the Pahang state government likely undercount the actual number of settlements across the state. The discrepancy suggests that many communities may remain unregistered or unaccounted for in official records.

A complete census would help provide a more accurate picture of the indigenous population distribution and settlement patterns in Pahang, which is crucial for policy-making and resource allocation. The call comes as various stakeholders continue to advocate for better documentation and recognition of Orang Asli communities throughout the country.

The issue underscores ongoing challenges in cataloguing Malaysia's indigenous populations and ensuring their needs are properly addressed by relevant government agencies. Accurate data is considered essential for developing effective programmes and protections for Orang Asli communities.