KINILENS | Orang Asli from the Temuan tribe get together to clean and perform rituals at the graves of their ancestors in a ceremony known as ‘Aik Muyang’ for the new year.

For those at the Pulau Kempas Orang Asli village in Banting, Selangor, the ceremony is held every Dec 29 and 30, which differs from other Temuan who observe Ancestral Day from the end of December to early January.

According to Tok Batin (village head) Rahman Pahat, Ancestral Day is a sign of respect for the ‘spirit’ that safeguards the Temuan community.

“This ceremony is also to thank the souls of our ancestors who give health, protect us from disaster, and provide sustenance to the Temuan community all year round.

“We clean the graves of our ancestors and prepare various food and drink as a sign of respect.”