Page 373 - Proceedings Collega2023

This very important artistic heritage also needs to be recorded and recorded as knowledge for future
generations so that this very valuable heritage is preserved and not lost to time.
Therefore, this study will specifically examine the traditional knowledge of residential house architecture
among the Batek tribe.
3. Methodology
To explain the above problems, a study through fieldwork was carried out on the Orang Asli

community of the Batek tribe in the Kuala Koh village, Gua Musang, Kelantan Malaysia. The study started
in early February 2021, and several visits to the village were made to obtain information and complete the
data collected. Qualitative research methods were used and some of the following techniques were
applied to collect related data:

3.1 Participant observation
This technique is used to obtain accurate data, especially related to their traditional practices
when building houses. Participant observation technique is the main data collection technique, especially
in assessing aspects of taboos, values and norms. Through this technique, the researcher participates in
every stage of the house-building process and every related ceremony that has been carried out. In
addition, the researcher also participated in a group of community who conducted hunting and gathering
activities to obtain clear information regarding the construction of temporary houses while living in the
forest.
3.2 Interviews
Interviews are also considered an important source of data aimed at obtaining a complete description and
explanation regarding things observed, accompanied and things not understood by the researcher. The
interview also aims to add as much information or relevant data as possible. Several informants among
the Batek tribe in Kuala Koh were interviewed, consisting of several groups namely; local leaders, the
elderly and the youth in the village.
3.3 Document Analysis

Document analysis is carried out to examine the findings of previous researchers to be used as a basis for
the research conducted. Among the documents that have been examined by the researcher are books,
seminar papers and journal articles related to the traditional architecture of various communities in
Malaysia, especially the Orang Asli community. Several visits were made to the Orang Asli Gombak Library,
the National University of Malaysia, the University of Malaya and the Orang Asli Development Department
Office to obtain relevant resources.
4. Findings
4.1 Home Concept
The house for the Batek tribe is called Haya’. Among the Batek tribes, Haya’ can be defined as a

physical unit or as a space that is built and becomes the residence of its members. It provides shelter from
heat and rain; a refuge from the threat of wild animals and evil forces; a place to perform a charity or
medical ceremony; as well as providing space for its residents to carry out indoor activities such as resting,
sleeping, cooking, eating, a place to socialize and discuss between family members.

Juli (1992), states that the house is not merely a place of refuge but reflects a lot of the socio-
cultural values of a society such as rules, beliefs and taboos. These beliefs and taboos are non-material

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 360 -