Illness Perception and Healing Practices among the Batek Tribe in Kuala Koh, Kelantan, Malaysia

The Orang Asli is one of the indigenous ethnic groups in Malaysia, with its majority
residing within outskirt and rural areas. Such a settlement distribution pattern largely
influences their culture including the aspects of medicinal practices. Although they are
exposed to modernisation elements by the Malaysian government, part of the culture
and traditional lifestyles especially in the aspects of illnesses healing are still largely
practiced. Studies were carried out towards the Batek tribe in Kuala Koh, Kelantan to
examine two (2) questions; (i) what are their perceptions towards the causes of
illnesses? And (ii) what are the approaches taken in treating illnesses? During the
research, participation observation and interview techniques were applied in the data
gathering process. Documents produced by previous researchers were also analyzed as
a basis for focus discussions related to the issues at hand. The results showed that the
Batek tribe believes that sickness suffered by individuals stems from two (2) factors.
First, factors related to spiritual elements such as harassment by the supernatural
powers and faint-heartedness. Second, physical factors related to changes in natural
phenomenon and human negligence in exploiting natural resources. Based on these
beliefs the Batek tribe possesses two approaches in treating illnesses. First, through
means of faith-healing, for sickness believed to originate from spiritual factors. Second,
the application of herbs obtained from forests surrounding their settlements.