Environmental health risks and well-being among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia: a review

Abstract

Orang Asli community has a significantly higher prevalence of parasitic infections than mainstream society in Peninsular Malaysia. These diseases appear to be most prevalent among isolated populations across Peninsular Malaysia. The aim of this review study was to better understand the environmental health risks that Orang Asli communities in remote forests face. In this study, a qualitative content analysis research design is used. The study conducts a detailed review of studies on physical environmental problems that have been associated to poor health outcomes and are anticipated to be prevalent among remote indigenous communities. The review findings of selected literatures indicate that the primary issues were parasite infection and drinking water tainted with heavy metals and germs. Water-borne infections and other infectious diseases have been epidemiologically linked to these environmental conditions. They are anecdotally high in remote indigenous communities. These issues are a little-known issue that could have a big influence on the health of the indigenous people; more research in this field would be very beneficial. It is critical to identify and measure these physical environmental elements, as well as to understand the mechanisms by which they influence health, especially since these factors are adjustable and can be repressed with relatively simple, cost-effective adjustments in community infrastructure. The review concludes with a proposed cooperative collaboration between indigenous communities and Malaysian mainstream society. As such, the strategy aids in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which cover issues such as health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, and partnership.