Non-Timber Forest as an Alternative Economic Survival for Indigenous Community in Terengganu, Malaysia: A Case Study of Rattan

Rattan holds significant prominence as a non-timber forest product, primarily distributed and extensively traded within the Southeast Asian region. This research aims to examine the role of rattan as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and to explore the significant economic value of rattan, in providing economic sustenance for the Orang Asli communities. The study is a case study with a mix method approach where 95 Orang Asli respondents from Kampung Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia participated. The collected data was analyzed by economic value analysis. The study found that the economic value of rattan is RM34224 per year where the highest monthly income earned by the Orang Asli is RM600 and the lowest is RM70 for each type of rattans. The Orang Asli community rely on rattan for a variety of purposes, which include selling them as raw materials, or personal use for craftsmanship, cultural practices, and the production of tools and equipment. As such, this study emphasizes the necessity of striking a balance between economic, ecological, and cultural considerations in harnessing the potential of rattan and other NTFPs to support the livelihoods and cultural heritage of Orang Asli communities.