Traditional knowledge on the universe among the Semaq Beri Tribe in Terengganu State, Peninsular Malaysia

Each society has its own distinctive perceptions and knowledge on the
Universe, especially towards the world that has become their place of residence; such is
the case of the Orang Asli, one of the indigenous communities in Malaysia. Among the
Orang Asli from the Semaq Beri tribe in Terengganu State there exist a narratives or
myth that describes their knowledge on such beliefs. Objective: A study by means of
fieldwork was carried out towards the Semaq Beri tribe in the Kemaman district,
Terengganu to obtain detailed information regarding such elements. The objectives of
the study are to explore and clarify on their knowledge on natural events, the structure
of the world that is home to humans and its relation to other natural elements. Data
were collected using interview techniques on a number of key informants, as well as
participation observation. Results: The results showed that the Semaq Beri tribe
possesses a knowledge structure that is concrete towards the origin of nature’s existence
and its structure. The basic form of nature in the thoughts of the Semaq Beri covers the
world, the sun, moon and stars. The world is the key environmental element which
possesses seven layers. Conclusion: The structural pattern of the world as presented
has its own distinctive rationale and is closely related to the overall belief aspects of the
Semaq Beri tribe.