THE EFFECTS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS LIVELIHOOD SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ORANG ASLI AT THE KG.SG. RUIL, CAMERON HIGHLANDS

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to measure the level of livelihood sustainability of indigenous people at Kg. Sg. Ruil located at a tourist destination of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Several indicators measuring livelihood sustainability as developed by the United Nations Development Program are employed in this study. Among the indicators measured are human assets, financial assets, physical assets, social assets and the disruption or threat to the livelihood of indigenous people (Orang Asli). Face-to-face interviews involving a total of 110 respondents were conducted from October to December 2011. The results indicate that the development of tourism in Cameron Highlands positively impact the indigenous people in terms of increment in their human assets, financial assets, physical and social assets. They also managed to handle the threats that may disrupt their livelihood sustainability.