Bridging the Gap Towards Sustainable Development: A Systematic Literature Review on Orang Asli Communities in Peninsular Malaysia

Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia have a complex history marked by challenges related to land rights, environmental degradation, and cultural preservation. Despite ongoing efforts to address these challenges, significant obstacles persist, particularly in healthcare access and outcomes, education, language preservation, dietary practices, religious beliefs, and policy frameworks. This systematic literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of past and current research on various aspects of Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia. The primary goal is to uncover the trends of challenges and unique characteristics of the Orang Asli communities while offering valuable recommendations for improvement. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram guided the selection and analysis of relevant studies. A comprehensive search strategy was employed, encompassing academic papers, reports, and ethnographic research on Orang Asli. Findings indicate progress in certain sectors, such as education promotion and the consideration of new policies to address specific needs. However, health disparities and limited access to healthcare services persist, impacting the well-being and empowerment of the Orang Asli. Thus, this review emphasises the pressing need for further research and proactive measures to address these challenges while fostering inclusivity and respect for the unique cultural heritage of the Orang Asli. By integrating these recommendations into policies and practices, stakeholders can contribute to the overall well-being, empowerment, and sustainable development of the Orang Asli communities in Malaysia.