The Semai People

The Semai/Senoi is an ethnic group living in the forested hills and mountains of the Malay Peninsula, known especially for their nonviolence. They are one of the largest indigenous ethnic group in the Peninsula. It is thought that the Semai are among the original ancient and widespread population of Southeast Asia. They are the descendants of the earliest inhabitants of the peninsula Malaysia and they have retained much of their identity which is distinct from the mainstream society.