Overcoming Learning Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Traditional Knowledge as an Educational Alternative for the Orang Asli

Abstract

This is a conceptual paper that examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning and education, with a focus on the Orang Asli community. In Malaysia, the implementation of a Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of Coronavirus forced schools to close down and operate only through online classes (PdPR).  Although this move was important for preventing the spread of COVID-19 among school children, the latter were confronted with the limitations of home-based online learning. This paper focuses on the Orang Asli and the challenges they faced pertaining to online learning (PdPR) during the pandemic. It will also suggest solutions to those problems based on the Orang Asli’s traditional knowledge. This paper also attempts to develop an alternative solution using a novel concept known as the AKH-I model. This model addresses societal problems by analysing issues and solutions from both Islamic and contemporary perspectives.  AKH-I guides key-players to take up their role as khalifah in addressing and engaging social issues by understanding them from the anthropological perspective whilst adhering to Islamic and moral principles, such as shariah-compliance, noble and righteous deeds, as well as spiritual guidance.