Forest conservation and the Semaq Beri community of Terengganu, Malaysia

Semaq Beri tribe in the state of Terengganu is one of the aboriginal communities in Peninsular Malaysia. They are largely dependent on forests for their main source of food and income. This research was carried out to gain insight into the tribe’s conception of forest and their attitude regarding forest sustainability . Data were collected through field observations and in-depth interviews of 20 key informants representing the Terengganu’s Semaq Beri of Kg. Sg. Pergam, Kemaman and Kg. Sg. Berua, Hulu Terengganu. The results revealed the Semaq Beri distinctive notions of the role of forest in their lives. Among others, the forest or biodiversity is believed to be a supernatural bestowal meant for the pleasure and harmony of human life by providing necessities such as food, income and medicine. Thus, forests are often regarded as a resource bank’, an institution where individuals store their wealth to be withdrawn whenever necessary. Based on such a conception the tribe consumes, conserves and sustaines the forest in ways that would benefit both the present and future generations.