Rafflesia & Orang Asli: Beliefs, Conservation, Heritage

Although the morning mist was beginning to thin under the warmth of the rising sun, we—the writer and Bernama photographer Muhammad Mustaqim Khairuddin—were still enveloped by the chill, with dewdrops clinging to the tips of grass and shrub leaves soaking our shoes and clothing.

Accompanied by Rusli Angah, 43, a tour guide from the Temiar Orang Asli tribe, we trekked toward our destination that day—the Rafflesia Conservation Area, located at an altitude of about 350 metres above sea level in the Lojing Highlands. Our mission was to find a blooming Rafflesia, the giant flower that is one of nature’s gifts to the country, particularly to the state of Kelantan.

Having lived near the Lojing rainforest for over 20 years, Rusli led us with confidence. Every step he took along the slippery and winding trail showed his deep familiarity with the terrain.

Our footsteps carried us deeper into the forest. The Lojing jungle turned out to be far more awe-inspiring than we had imagined. Towering hardwood trees sheltered our path, while the calls of jungle birds served as a natural soundtrack—highlighting the untouched beauty of an ecosystem rarely disturbed by human presence.

After nearly two hours of hiking, our hearts pounding and our clothes drenched in sweat, Rusli pointed to a breathtaking sight on the forest floor—surrounded by a blanket of dry leaves, a single Rafflesia bloom with five brick-red petals speckled in white stood proudly, facing the sky.

 

Internationally known as the ‘corpse flower’ due to its foul smell resembling rotting flesh, the Rafflesia is found only in Southeast Asia—particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This plant has no leaves, stems, or roots of its own. Instead, it lives as a parasitic organism, attaching itself to the roots of other plants to extract nutrients from its host. As of October 2020, the Plants of the World Online website has listed over 40 species of Rafflesia, all of which are found in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo (including Sabah and Sarawak), and the Philippines.

In Peninsular Malaysia, nine species have been identified, with three—Rafflesia kerri, Rafflesia cantleyi, and Rafflesia su-meiae—found in the state of Kelantan.

Beyond its scientific characteristics, the Rafflesia holds deep cultural meaning for the local Orang Asli communities, especially the Temiar and Jahai tribes, who believe the flower possesses a spirit and serves as an indicator of the forest ecosystem’s health.

"Before entering a Rafflesia habitat, some Orang Asli groups perform rituals or seek permission from the forest spirits to ensure the harmony of nature is not disturbed," explained Rusli.

Additionally, the Rafflesia is seen as a sign of environmental change. According to Orang Asli beliefs, a sudden abundance of blooming Rafflesia may signal prolonged rainy seasons or significant ecological shifts.

 From the perspective of traditional medicine, the Rafflesia plays an important role in the health practices of the Orang Asli community. Certain parts of the flower, including its roots, are believed to have medicinal properties, particularly in treating women after childbirth.

According to Rusli, a decoction made from the flower is used to help accelerate uterine contraction and restore a mother's energy.

He added that the use of the flower in traditional medicine also extends to treating fevers and boosting the immune system.

“Although there is no scientific research confirming its effectiveness, long-standing beliefs and generational experience have made Rafflesia a part of the Orang Asli’s traditional healing practices,” he said.

However, the community’s use of Rafflesia is very controlled and guided by the belief that overexploitation could bring harm.

They believe that harvesting the flower without good reason or in excessive amounts can upset the natural balance and bring misfortune to their community.

 

Beyond their role as traditional users, the Orang Asli also play a key part in conserving the Rafflesia’s natural habitat. As the original inhabitants of the forest, they are the first line of defence in detecting threats to the flower, such as illegal logging, land encroachment, and unregulated tourism.

Rusli said the Orang Asli play a vital role as natural ecological monitors, significantly supporting efforts by authorities and researchers to protect the Rafflesia from extinction.

They often provide early information about new budding sites and potential threats to Rafflesia’s natural environment. The Rafflesia bud takes about six to nine months to grow before it matures and blooms, lasting approximately five to seven days before dying and decaying.

In the context of ecotourism, the Orang Asli serve as guides and caretakers of conservation sites, offering them both a livelihood and a role in environmental preservation.

However, Rusli noted that various challenges currently threaten the survival of Rafflesia, including poorly managed tourism activities.

“Stepping near budding sites or picking the flower before it blooms can seriously disrupt its reproductive process,” he said, adding that without concrete measures, Rafflesia may face extinction in Malaysia—which would also mean the Orang Asli risk losing a part of their cultural heritage.

“Therefore, conservation efforts must be a shared responsibility to ensure the survival of this unique flora and the preservation of our cultural heritage,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Associate Professor Dr Zulhazman Hamzah, said the primary threat to Rafflesia in Peninsular Malaysia is not land use itself, but the lack of clear tourism guidelines in its natural habitats.

“For example, in ecotourism areas like Lojing, Kelantan, tourists often do not receive proper briefings on Rafflesia’s survival and conservation—specifically, what they should or should not do during their visit.

“As a result, visitors frequently touch or get too close to the blooming flowers, disrupting the pollination process carried out by forest flies,” he said.

He added that close human presence can compact and damage the soil, potentially harming the underground host plant that supports the Rafflesia. Tourists also often step on newly emerging buds by accident.

 “Another threat comes from land clearing for large-scale agriculture and infrastructure development. 

“Although forest clearing for logging, agriculture, and infrastructure doesn't directly target Rafflesia habitats, the resulting landscape changes and soil erosion can disrupt the ecosystem, hinder growth, and threaten the species’ survival,” he told Bernama.

 

According to Zulhazman, Rafflesia flowers in Kelantan can be found in several locations. In addition to Lojing, the flower has also been spotted in Gunung Setong, Kuala Betis, and Taman Negara Kuala Koh.

“New habitats for Rafflesia cantleyi have been discovered in the Ulu Sat and Chabang Tongkat Forest Reserves in the districts of Pasir Puteh and Machang, while Rafflesia su-meiae has only been recorded in Gunung Chamah,” he said.

Elaborating further, he shared that conservation efforts for Rafflesia in Kelantan began in 2008 through an expedition by a UMK research team to Lojing, which he himself led.

“We documented the flora and fauna of the Lojing Highlands, and based on the expedition’s findings, we proposed to the state government that a 1,000-acre area in Lojing be gazetted as a Rafflesia conservation zone.

“In 2010, the state government agreed, and the area is now known as the Rafflesia Conservation Park,” he explained.

He added that UMK also plays an active role in educating the public on the importance of Rafflesia conservation by giving talks in schools, government agencies, and Orang Asli communities.

“As a result of the awareness programmes we’ve conducted, more and more people in Kelantan are now aware of the flower’s presence in their state,” he said, noting that many are keen to know where they can view the flower in person.

“This also reflects the growing public interest in conserving this natural treasure,” he said, emphasising that preserving Rafflesia is not only crucial for maintaining the natural ecosystem’s balance but also as a tourism attraction.

 

Meanwhile, Zulhazman noted that several efforts have been made to ensure the species' survival, including tissue culture and root transplantation techniques. However, most have yet to yield significant success.

“Root transplants have seen some success in Sabah and Bogor, but challenges remain. If Rafflesia were to be widely propagated, its unique value might be diminished.

“In efforts to preserve Rafflesia’s natural habitat, the state government has gazetted several areas as protected zones,” he said.

He added that this initiative would not only protect the species but also provide economic benefits to local communities, including the Orang Asli, who can generate income through tourism activities.

 “I hope more initiatives will be implemented to ensure Rafflesia remains protected and valued by future generations. With proper conservation, this flower can serve not only as a symbol of Malaysia’s natural heritage but also as a valuable tourism asset,” he said.

He further recommended that authorities introduce stricter regulations and clear guidelines for tourists and tourism operators.

“This includes implementing entrance fees that come with mandatory briefings, limiting the number of visitors at any one time, and involving local communities and the Orang Asli more intensively in conservation efforts.

“If these measures are not implemented promptly, Malaysia could lose one of its most valuable natural assets. Increased education, public awareness, and stricter regulations are essential to ensure the Rafflesia's survival for future generations,” he said.