Page 375 - Proceedings Collega2023

Figure 1: Form of temporary Haya’ and temporary settlement of the Batek people.

b) Permanent Placement
The form of permanent settlement in the context of the Kuala Koh Batek people has been built
over the last ten years. Awareness of the importance of building permanent settlements is the main factor
that can be attributed to the changes that occur. These factors are due to changes in the members of the
group itself and the influence played by outside parties such as the Orang Asli Development Department
(JAKOA), the Kelantan Islamic Religious Council (MAIK), the Gua Musang District Health Department, the
Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) and universities and NGOs.
These factors are such that group members realize that with the existence of permanent
settlements, their village will always be visited by various parties. Those who visit will usually bring food
supplies to them, this situation is felt to be very favourable. Members of the group also claim that the
Kuala Koh settlement is the original settlement of their ancestors, they also claim that the elders have
ordered that the settlement not be abandoned as long as the parties who are accused of seizing their
inheritance do not pay compensation. In addition, relationships with outside communities are easier,
especially those who often deal in economic activities with group members.
Other factors are also due to increasing health awareness, with the existence of residential houses
making it easier for the District Health Department to come to their settlements for health matters. In
addition to that, the development of the minds of group members also creates an awareness of the need
to live permanently in one settlement, they also want changes to housing and the economy that go hand
in hand with the residents of the Batek tribe at Pos Aring 5 and the surrounding Malay community. With
the existence of permanent settlements, they hope that the parties involved will pay attention to their
economic development efforts like other Orang Asli communities.
In addition to that, the role played by JAKOA and preaching agencies, community mobilisers,
always advise on the importance of living in permanent residences, so that all planned development plans
and efforts to strengthen the Islamiyah faith run smoothly.
Areas that are chosen to build permanent settlements are based on the same criteria as temporary
settlements. The stated criteria are taboos that must be followed and obeyed. Besides aiming to protect
group members from the disturbance of ghosts and the threat of wild animals such as temporary

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 362 -