Indigenous beliefs are loosely classified as animism, which is considered the oldest religion known to humankind.
Indigenous beliefs refer to those practised by the Orang Asli of the Peninsula and the native of Sabah and Sarawak. Their ideas of natural and supernatural world and morality are generally well structured.
Believing in a supreme being who is the creator of the world, the indigenous people recognise the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships with the community and with the different world of spirits, animals and plants. Any imbalance would result in misfortune, illness, crop failure and many other things. Restitution must be made to restore the balance by appeasing the angry spirits through rituals, animal sacrifices and food offerings. Shamans (religious leaders and healers) act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds.
As a whole, the belief system is not officially recognised and is in effect non-institutionalised. Teachings and values are transmitted through oral tradition.
In the course of colonialism and modernisation, the indigenous people were placed in the good light of missionary Zeal, the Christians and Muslims in particular.
While many have adopted other religions, the key elements of their traditional beliefs are still retained.
