Population data for 12 X-STR loci in the Orang Asli population of Peninsular Malaysia

The Orang Asli, the earliest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia, constitute only 0.6% of the country's population. This study analyses allele frequencies and forensic parameters for 12 X-STR loci across six Orang Asli subgroups using the Investigator® Argus X-12 QS kit. Blood samples were collected from 164 individuals (68 males, 96 females), with genomic DNA extracted and analysed through PCR amplification, capillary electrophoresis, and allele assignment. A total of 117 alleles were identified, with DXS10135 being the most polymorphic and DXS8378 the least. The highest power of discrimination was observed at DXS10135 for both males and females. The highest haplotype diversity was found in linkage group 4 with 39 haplotypes, while linkage group 3 had the lowest with 23 haplotypes. Forensic statistical analysis confirmed a combined power of discrimination and mean exclusion chance exceeding 0.999999. These findings provide valuable data for forensic applications, population genetics, and anthropological research.