Demography

In 2000, the Orang Asli comprise only 0.5% of the total population in Malaysia.^[2] Their population is approximately 148,000.^[5] The largest group are the Senois, constituting about 54% of the total Orang Asli population. The Proto-Malays form 43%, and the Semang forming 3%.^[5]

The poverty rate among Orang Asli is 76.9%.^[1] In addition to this high rate, the Statistics Department of Malaysia has classified 35.2% of the population as being "hardcore poor". The majority of Orang Asli live in rural areas, while a minority have moved into urban areas. In 1991, the literacy rate for the Orang Asli was 43% compared to the national rate of 86% at that time.^[1] They have an average life expectancy of 53 years (52 for male and 54 for female). A high infant mortality rate is also evident with 51.7 deaths per 1000 births.^[6]

See also: Demographics of Malaysia