A Visit to Orang Asli Museum, Gombak, Selangor

Dr. Baharon Azhar Bin Raffie’i, fourth Director-General of the Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) (1969 – 1986) was the person who mooted the idea for the preservation of history and conservation of the cultural heritage of the indigenous (Orang Asli) community.

The proposed plan took six years to realise and this Orang Asli Museum in Gombak, formerly the residence of the JHEOA Director-General, was finally opened to the public on 29th September, 1987.

However, realising the importance of this effort, a new museum building was built at a cost of RM3.3 million. Meanwhile, curation took two years following its completion. The current museum was officially opened by His Majesty The XI King of Malaysia, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Alhaj.

Admittedly, this museum is still a work in progress as all Orang Asli tribes in Malaysia are not presented here yet. Nevertheless, it is home to a host of information and exhibits that showcase the history and tradition of a good number of indigenous tribes of the country.

Exhibits include hunting equipment, traditional musical instruments as well as personal ornaments and garments. While some of these are real items contributed by the community, some are replicas.

Visitors to the museum also have the opportunity to watch a short video of the Temiar tribe and get an understanding of how they live. Do not pass up on the opportunity to visit this Orang Asli Museum in Gombak for an educational tour.

Orang Asli Museum
Add: Km 24, Jalan Pahang, Gombak, 53100 Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-6187 8786
Fax: 03-8187 8786
Web: www.jakoa.gov.my
Opening hours: 9am – 5.50pm daily – closed on Fridays.

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