The Temiar are a Senoic group indigenous to the Malay Peninsula and one of the largest of the eighteen Orang Asli groups of Malaysia. They reside mainly in Perak, Pahang and Kelantan. Their total population is estimated at around 40,000 to 120,000, most of which live on the fringes of the rainforest, while a small number have been urbanised.[2]
Total population | |
---|---|
40,000–120,000 [1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Malaysia (Perak, Pahang, Kelantan) | |
Languages | |
Temiar language, Malay language | |
Religion | |
Islam, Traditional Religion, Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Semai people |
Temiar are traditionally animists, giving great significance to nature, dreams and spiritual healing.[2][3] The ceremonial Sewang dance is also performed by the Temiar people as part of their folk beliefs.[4]
The changes in the population of the Temiar people are as the following:-
Year | 1930s[5] | 1960[6] | 1965[6] | 1969[6] | 1974[6] | 1980[6] | 1991[7] | 1993[7] | 1996[6] | 2000[8] | 2003[8] | 2004[9] | 2010[1] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Population | 2,000 | 8,945 | 9,325 | 9,929 | 10,586 | 12,365 | 16,892 | 15,122 | 15,122 | 17,706 | 25,725 | 25,590 | 30,118 |
Major settlements of the Temiar are: