Report: Temu the Temuans - Part 2 (WW06-LA)
Members' Report by: Yvonne Koo, Lim San San, Carolyn Lau, Muna Noor, Wendy, Mike Lam, and HY Leong
Photos by: Wendy, HY Leong, Mike Lam.
On 12 July 2026, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Selangor Branch organised the second part of Wild Wonders: Temu the Temuans, focusing on Temuan culture, traditions and community sharing at Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru, located adjacent to the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR). The afternoon programme attracted 16 adult participants, comprising 13 MNS members and three non-members, with one MNS member withdrawing before the programme.
Prior to the visit, the Branch obtained permission from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to conduct an afternoon programme dedicated to discovering the culture and heritage of the Temuan Orang Asli community.
The programme began with a traditional lunch prepared by the women of the village. The meal featured forest vegetables such as semomok leaves and aromatic kulim leaves, highlighting the Temuan community's use of wild edible plants gathered from KLNFR.
Participants also had the opportunity to taste asam kelubi (Eleiodoxa conferta), the fruit of a palm that grows in peat swamp forests. Naturally very sour—more acidic than most tropical fruits—it is traditionally eaten dipped in a little sugar or paired with tempoyak (fermented durian).
The meal was also a highlight for other participants, who appreciated both the food and the opportunity to interact with villagers. "We met and chatted with locals in the village," recalled Lim San San. "The food was great, especially the tempoyak sambal. I had tempoyak on several occasions in the past, but this version is by far the most delicious."
"Lunch was amazing, bought plants and kelarai craft and vegetables," said Carolyn Lau.
"I enjoyed a fantastic lunch featuring many vegetables grown locally," said Muna Noor.
Following lunch, participants joined a casual sembang session with six members of the Temuan community: Samsul anak Senin, Chairman of the Indigenous Community Management Council; Panglima Gang, a member of the Traditions Council; Bahari bin Kolek; Bonet anak Baba; Semah binti ah Leong; and artivist Shaq Koyok from a neighbouring Temuan village.
The informal dialogue gave participants the opportunity to learn about Temuan customs, traditions and daily life. Some of the questions asked included childbirth practices, wedding rites, dating traditions, New Year celebrations and community life.
The circular seating arrangement encouraged a relaxed exchange, with smaller conversations naturally developing between participants and nearby Temuans as the session progressed. While a microphone and speaker would have improved audibility across the circle, the smaller groups also created opportunities for more personal interactions.
Wendy summed up the experience: "Getting to know the Temuans more & their culture."
Yvonne described the sharing session as another meaningful cultural experience. She said, "The casual conversations offered deeper insights into their culture, traditions, connection with the land, and way of life. It was a warm and enriching experience."
Muna appreciated the openness of the conversation, recalling, "I enjoyed chatting with the Temuans and having my burning questions answered."
The afternoon concluded with an art workshop led by Shaq. Several indigenous children joined the session, creating an intergenerational exchange through art. Some participants who rather not draw, instead encouraged the children in their artwork, while a few members drew and painted under Shaq’s guidance. During the workshop, Shaq shared how art can serve as a tool for storytelling and awareness campaigns.
The programme concluded with a group photograph, marking the end of an afternoon filled with cultural exchange, creativity and community connection.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Mike Lam summarised it as "getting to know more about the Temuan, experiencing their food, and meeting more MNS (Selangor) members all at the same time."
Participants left with their artwork as a keepsake and a deeper appreciation of the people, traditions and culture that form an important part of Malaysia’s natural heritage.
Note: Participants contributed to this report through a feedback form. The MNS Selangor Branch extends its appreciation to the Indigenous Community Management Council of Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru and Shaq Koyok, for their warm hospitality and the opportunity to collaborate in this meaningful programme.
