Qualitative Exploration on The Contributing Factors of Household Food Insecurity among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia Under Cash Economy

Background/Aims: Orang Asli was known as a marginalized group under 10th Malaysia Plan (2011–2015) and that enviably exposed them towards the household food insecurity. Despite that, to date, little is known about the household food security condition among Orang Asli especially regarding their adaptability in the food seeking activities within the modern economic system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the perceived contributing factors of household food insecurity among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: The qualitative study involved 61 mothers from three main Orang Asli ethnic groups from three purposively selected districts across three states in Peninsular Malaysia. The semi-structure in-depth interviews were conducted with the aid of interview protocol to gather opinions pertaining to their hardship in purchasing food from markets. The thematic analysis was performed during data analysis. Results: The perceived contributing factors for household food insecurity among Orang Asli included socio demographic factors (low pay and impermanent job, care for little kid, irregular food aid, no transport, and lack of food storage facilities), economic factors (high price in petrol, non-food necessities, and transport fare), and geographical factors (no grocery shop within walking distance, sudden closure of nearby grocery shops, higher price at nearby grocery shops, nearby grocery shops cannot fulfill demand, and dissatisfactory road condition). Conclusion: In conclusion, the perceived contributing factors towards household food insecurity among Orang Asli should be given necessary attention from local authorities in order to understand the needs of the affected community so that counter strategies can be planned to reduce their burdens.