The Environment/ Contents

Natural resources in daily life

Muhammad Haji Salleh

Malaysia's natural world, which is dominated by forests, meandering rivers and an extensive coastline, has been inextricably linked to the lives of its peoples for centuries. Fruits of the forest and lakes have been sources for physical necessities—food, clothing and building materials—as well as the actual locations for dwellings and communities. In addition, the natural world has been the inspiration for the spiritual and cultural development of different groups as can be seen in traditional rituals, folklore and crafts.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • Nature's store
  • Traditional Malay dwellings
  • Traditional crafts
Woven basket from Kudat

A woven basket from Kudat, northeastern Sabah.