Navigating progress and preservation: village leaders’ perspective on sustainability challenges among Indigenous communities of selangor, Malaysia

Ab Rahman, Syakir Amir and Che Zuki, Fatin Nabila and Abdullah, Alias and Ibrahim, Illyani and Asmawi, M. Zainora and Abdul Razak, Rajabi (2025) Navigating progress and preservation: village leaders’ perspective on sustainability challenges among Indigenous communities of selangor, Malaysia. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Engineering and Architecture, 16 (3). pp. 869-878. ISSN 2731-6688 E-ISSN 1658-8150

	PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy
Preview	PDF - Supplemental Material Download (216kB) | Preview

Abstract

This study explores the sustainability challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Selangor, Malaysia, through the perspectives of village leaders. As agents of cultural continuity and local governance, these leaders offer critical insights into how the Orang Asli navigate the tensions between modernization and heritage preservation. The primary objective is to understand how economic, environmental, and cultural dynamics intersect and affect Indigenous sustainability. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews and participant observation in five Orang Asli villages representing the Temuan, Mah Meri, and Semai sub-ethnic groups. The analysis reveals three major challenges: economic marginalization driven by limited livelihood diversification and insecure land tenure; cultural erosion stemming from youth disengagement and modernization; and environmental vulnerabilities including deforestation, climate risks, and coastal degradation. Despite systemic barriers, village leaders demonstrate resilience by advocating for cooperative tourism, intergenerational cultural education, and ecological stewardship. The findings underscore the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge into sustainability frameworks and call for participatory, rights-based development policies. Future research should explore institutional collaborations and scalable community-led models that honor Indigenous agency while advancing sustainable outcomes.

Item Type:	Article (Review)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Indigenous, Orang Asli, Indigenous tourism, Sustainable, Malaysia
Subjects:	BPH Islamic Economics > BPH830.3 Social systems. Urban groups. Cities and towns. Sustainable urban development G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) > G156.5.S87 Sustainable tourism H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT241 Urban ecology. Sustainable urban development N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying > NA9080 Urban planners
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Urban & Regional Planning
Depositing User:	Dr. Syakir Amir Ab. Rahman
Date Deposited:	08 Sep 2025 09:41
Last Modified:	08 Sep 2025 09:41
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122754

Actions (login required)

View Item