Jakun

a group of indigenous tribes of Malaysia, numbering more than 8,000 people (1967, estimate). The Jakun, who speak dialects of the Malay language, are divided into the following tribes: the Mantera and Biduanda in the states of Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, the Belanda in the state of Selangor, and the Orang Ulu, Orang Kanaq, and Orang Laut in the state of Johor. Ancient animistic beliefs are preserved among the Jakun. Their principal occupations are gathering, hunting, and fishing; less important are slash-and-burn farming and diving for pearls. The majority of the Jakun live in houses raised on piles, but the Orang Lauts live in hollowed-out boats.