Batek

The Batek are an indigenous ethnic group of Peninsular Malaysia, one of the Orang Asli. They traditionally inhabit the forest interior of the peninsula, especially in areas around Taman Negara in Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu. The Batek have historically led a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, moving seasonally to exploit forest resources such as fruit, tubers, honey, and wildlife.

They speak the Batek language, an Austroasiatic language, and are part of the broader indigenous populations collectively known as Orang Asli. Their social organization is generally egalitarian, with informal leadership and decisions often reached by consensus rather than through formal authority. Daily life centers on foraging and small-scale subsistence, with camps set up in the forest and near rivers as opportunities permit.

Religious beliefs are animist, with practice and ritual oriented toward forest spirits, ancestors, and the natural world. Shamanic or healer figures may play a role in illness and ritual events, though beliefs and practices can vary among communities.

In recent decades, the Batek have faced pressures from deforestation, logging, and land development, which have reduced mobility and altered traditional livelihoods. Some individuals have settled in villages or pursued wage labor nearby, while others participate in ecotourism or government programs. Issues of land rights and access to forest resources remain central to many Batek communities as they navigate changing economic and environmental conditions.