Demography
| Orang Asli population by groups and subgroups (2000) | |||
| Negrito | Senoi | Proto Malay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bateq | Chewong | Jakun | |
| Jahai | Jah Hut | Orang Kanaq | |
| Kensiu | Mah Meri | Orang Kuala | |
| Kintaq | Semai | Orang Seletar | |
| Lanoh | Semaq Beri | Semelai | |
| Mendriq | Temiar | Temuan | |
| 3,507 | 60,633 | 49,401 | |
| Total: 113,541‡ | |||
In 2000, the Orang Asli comprise only 0.5% of the total population in Malaysia. Their population is approximately 148,000. 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%.
The poverty rate among Orang Asli is 76.9%. 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. 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.
See also: Demographics of MalaysiaRead more about this topic: Orang Asli