Report: Temu the Temuans (WW03)

Members' Report by: HY Leong, Justin Loh, Derek, Jamie, CE Tan and Leong. 

Photos by:  YM Liew, YK Liew and HY Leong

A Day with the Temuans

Few urban children have the opportunity to meet the Orang Asli or explore Malaysia’s lesser-known forests. The Wild Wonders (WW) trip was designed to fill this gap. Developed with the approval of the Busut Baru Orang Asli Community Management Council and Indigenous artivist Shaq Koyok, the day trip introduced Temuan culture—through forest exploration, cuisine, handicrafts and art—to families with children aged 9 to 17. Participants also explored the peat swamp forest of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR), adjacent to Kg Orang Asli Busut Baru, with permits arranged by the Selangor State Forestry Department.

The trip almost did not happen, with only four participants initially signed up. Thanks to Gerai OA spreading the word, and inquiries from non-family members, participation was extended to individuals, eventually welcoming 14 MNS participants—8 adults and 6 children—on Sunday, 19 October 2025. The programme was facilitated by branch committee member HY Leong and the MNS Selangor Branch Flora Group Yao Tze Leong and Lim Koon Hup. 

Meet-and-Greet

Participants met two conservationists: Shaq Koyok and Panglima Gang. Shaq, a Temuan from Kg Orang Asli Pulau Kempas, is an internationally exhibited artist whose work reflects the struggles and resilience of indigenous communities. Growing up amid forest encroachment shaped his art, which tells the stories of everyday Orang Asli life with strength and beauty.

Panglima Gang, a Customary Board Member from Kg Orang Asli Busut Baru, brings decades of forest knowledge passed down through generations. His village, formerly where Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is, was relocated to beside KLNFR. As a Panglima, he oversees welfare, safety, marriage affairs, and other duties under the Tok Batin (village chief).

Participants gathered at the Balai community hall, welcomed by Samsul Anak Senin, Chairman of Kg Busut Baru’s Orang Asli Community Management Council and HY Leong. Safety briefings were conducted by Samsul, Shaq, and Panglima Gang. For many participants, this was their first visit to a peat swamp forest so botanist Yao introduced peat swamp forests, explaining how they differ from other forest types.

Exploring the Peat Swamp Forest

The group carpooled to the trailhead and split into two walking groups. Crossing a peatwater fire-breaker channel via a fallen tree trunk, they walked along a looping trail through lowland and peat swamp forests. Children and parents often were at the front of the line, with birdwatchers trailing behind, and then Samsul as the last person.

CE Tan observed:

“We discovered that the peat swamp soil in the area is very dense and waterlogged, yet it can become extremely dry and flammable during prolonged dry periods, making it prone to fire.”

Leong added:

“Not hot inside the forest due to rain earlier.”

After roughly two hours, the group returned to the village for a recap and sharing session.

Culture, Crafts, and Cuisine

Next, participants browsed and bought some handicraft made by the Orang Asli women - miniature woven birds and emerald-spot fighting fish (Betta livida) keychains, and miniature village houses. Betta livida is endemic to Malaysia and found only in Selangor, particularly within KLNFR. It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Yao bought a tray of asam kelubi (Eleiodoxa conferta), a palm fruit, and shared it with all the participants and volunteers. Many were surprised by its intense sourness. The women explained that it pairs well with tempoyak (fermented durian), a combination one participant found tasty despite the fruit’s acidity. Another member later followed an online recipe to make pickled kelubi and found it deliciously sweet-sour. One member recalled buying pickled kelubi in his kampung in Terengganu—10 sen for five fruits—and always asking for extra syrup.

Lunch featured simple but delicious Temuan dishes. Hunting, farming, foraging, and forest plants remain central to Temuan daily cooking.

Art, Reflection, and Closing

The day activities wound down with an art activity led by Shaq. Participants, including children and the Orang Asli, illustrated the plants and animals observed in the forest. The session allowed participants to creatively reflect on their experiences.

Jamie said:

“It was a new and interesting experience to walk in a peat swamp and visit an orang Asli village. I enjoyed learning about the peat swamp from the locals as well as educator guides. Glad that we could savour Orang Asli food and got to interact with them a little too. The art activity was a good way to cap off the event.”

Justin Loh added:

“Enjoyed - Being in the peat swamp forest led by the Orang Asli themselves and knowledgeable MNS members; Learned - A lot about the plants which I would otherwise bypass. Memorable - Having Temuan-cooked dishes which are simple but delicious. Not enjoyed - Definitely the mosquitoes and noisy aeroplanes flying overhead.”

Derek shared:

“Enjoyed exploring the wild and seeing so many Tapak Sulaiman Phyllagathis rotundifolia (Jack) Blume & discovering a few rubber trees planted by the Temuan to feed birds. Got to taste two types of sour leaves too. Drenched in sweat after about 2 hours of exploration, we were treated to a delicious Temuan feast. The best were the two versions of my favourite tempoyak. Got to bring home a little package too, but the lady refused my offer to pay. Very kind and friendly Temuans indeed.”

Excess art materials were donated to the Orang Asli children. The programme concluded with group photos and letters of appreciation to hosts and conservationists, wrapping up at around 3.30 pm.