The Orang Mawas
In the rainforests of southern Malaysia, people describe a tall, hairy creature that walks upright, and in 2006 the state government went looking.
What was reported
The Orang Asli, the Indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, have long told of the orang mawas or hantu jarang gigi, a tall, hairy, ape-like being living in the forests of Johor. In 2005 and 2006, a wave of reported sightings and large footprints in the Endau-Rompin area made national news.
The Johor state government organised an expedition with scientists and rangers to search the forest, and the story drew international attention.
Explanations offered
No body, bones or clear photographs were found. Suggestions include sun bears standing upright, other animals, and footprints enlarged by rain. Some saw the interest as a boost for tourism. The forests of Endau-Rompin remain a protected national park.
- When
- Reported for generations; wave of sightings in 2005–06
- Where
- Endau-Rompin, Johor, Malaysia
- Witnesses
- Orang Asli villagers, workers and visitors
- Status
- Unconfirmed
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.