Semelai people
Ethnic group of Malaysia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Semelai people are an Orang Asli people of the Proto-Malay people group found in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang states of Malaysia.[4]
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Semelai people receiving visitors at Tasik Bera, Pahang. | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 9,228 (2010) with Temoq people included in the census[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Malaysia: | |
| Negeri Sembilan & Pahang | 5,026 (2000)[2] |
| Languages | |
| Semelai language, Malay language | |
| Religion | |
| Animism (predominantly), Christianity, Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Temuan people,[3] Semaq Beri people, Mah Meri people, Temoq people | |
Settlement area
They are divided into two major groups, namely:
- The Semelai people in Kampung Sungai Sampo and Kampung Sungai Lui, Jempol District, Negeri Sembilan[5]
- The Semelai people in Pos Iskandar,[6] Kampung Bukit Rok and Kampung Ibam,[7] Tasik Bera, Kampung Bukit Gemuroh[8] and Bongkok, Teriang, Bera District, Pahang
Population
The 2010 census, the Temoq people were included in the Semelai population due to the small numbers of Temoq people.[1]
Music
Semelai music has been passed down for generations with little modification to suit modern times. There are two musical instruments used; the Rebana and Gong (including both "male" and "female" Gongs).[13] This musical style is often performed in community halls or houses during feasts, weddings, circumcision ceremonies, gatherings and welcoming visitors for the purpose of entertainment.[14] This music is performed with songs sung in Semelai language. There are also dances but it is only done with regulation and under certain requirements. The music of the Semelai is also used for healing purposes,[13] such as singing in fertility ceremony.[15]