Ramli Mohd Nor plays down the odds of competition from a new party known as Asli.

Village leaders worry about their young people who cannot find jobs in the city but have no prospects at home.

Their traditional skills are on the decline but they are ill-equipped to deal with modern life outside their village.

While many have dropped out, the school set up by the state religious authorities is doing its best to give its students a good education.

The Orang Asli of Pulau Carey perform an annual ritual known as Ancestors' Day to ask for good fortune and protection in the year to come.

The Mah Meri Orang Asli from Kampung Sungai Judah in Pulau Carey perform an annual ceremony at the beach to ask their ancestors for protection and good fortune.

Many parents are still traumatised by the incident in 2015, in which a number of Orang Asli children got lost and died in the jungle after running away from school.

An additional tax deduction for employers employing ex-prisoners will also be extended to former inmates of Henry Gurney Schools and government protection and rehabilitation institutions.

Factors include logistics, family problems and a negative attitude towards education.

The celebration, which coincides with the annual International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on Aug 9, is marked by traditional activities and dances.

With school dropouts a concern among the villagers, efforts are being made to encourage as many children as possible to continue their education.

Nia Vanessa Suhana is determined to prove that women can succeed in the sport.