Factors Related to Household Food Insecurity among the Orang Kintak in Malaysia.

Abstract

Malaysia is a country rich in natural forest resources; flora and fauna and biodiversity being interdependent factors. In addition to its function in determining the balance of the ecosystem, the forest also provides various resources needed by the indigenous people such as food, materials for construction, medicine, minerals and recreational resources. A total of 42 respondents, selected among the Orang Kintak from the Negrito tribe were sampled using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Based on the vulnerability factor, this study shows that economic, natural and social factors had been affecting the food security of the Orang Kintak to the point that their livelihoods had become increasingly threatened. The deterioration in their lives had been caused not only by the destruction of the environment that is the place of survival, but also by the humanitarian crisis resulting from in social and economic changes. These minority communities go through very difficult times when natural resources are decreasing, becoming more difficult to obtain. Forest exploration activities have caused the grazing area to shrink and economic and social factors have affected the availability and stability of food supply resulting in the threat of poverty, malnutrition, psychological stress and deterioration of the health Orang Kintak.