ABSTRACT
The Senoi Temiars form one ethnic subgroup of the Senoi, the other major subgroup being the Senoi Semai who live further south in the state of Pahang. The Temiars number about 12,000 people in a total aboriginal population of some 78,000. They inhabit the tropical rain forest in Malaysia’s most northerly states of Perak, Kelantan and Pahang. The Temiars rely on river for many basic needs, the most obvious being water for washing and cooking. Drinking water is taken from upstream, defecation takes place downstream, and washing and bathing are conducted from the central part of the river bank. During the first year of life, the infant is breast-fed on demand, massaged frequently and only leaves the house if he or she is carried by a parent, grandparent or older sibling. Breast-feeding continues for several years but once the infant can walk independently, he or she spends increasing amounts of time outside, often as the baby in children’s family games.
