Malon in Papua New Guinea

The Malon have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Malon people, also known as Malol, live in the Sandaun Province of Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Malol village area of Mainyen ward, West Aitape Rural LLG. Their primary language is Malol, an Austronesian language in the Malayo-Polynesian family. The Malon have maintained their language and cultural identity through generations, living along the coastal region and adapting to the rhythms of the land and sea. Their history is shaped by their environment and relationships with neighboring groups, with traditions passed down through family and community life.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Malon people live in rural coastal villages where daily life centers around family, fishing, and farming. Most families are engaged in subsistence agriculture, growing crops suited to the local climate and raising small livestock. Fishing in the nearby waters is also an important part of their diet and economy. Meals are prepared from locally grown produce and fresh fish, and food is often shared among extended family members. Family life is close-knit, with several generations living together and supporting one another. Community celebrations are important, especially during planting and harvest seasons or significant life events such as weddings and naming ceremonies. Music, dance, and storytelling are woven into these gatherings, helping to pass on cultural values and strengthen social bonds.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Malon people predominantly identify as Christians, with Roman Catholicism being the primary denomination. Churches play a significant role in community life, and many families participate in church services and religious festivals. The message of Jesus Christ is known among the Malon, and believers seek to live out their faith in practical ways. Evangelical outreach is present, and there is a desire for deeper spiritual growth and discipleship. In some areas, traditional beliefs and customs may still influence daily life, especially during cultural festivals.


What Are Their Needs?

Access to quality education and healthcare remains a challenge for many Malon families. Clean water and improved infrastructure would greatly benefit their villages. Economic opportunities are often limited, and poverty is a persistent concern. There is a need for continued discipleship and for Malon believers to become part of the global force sharing the gospel with less reached peoples.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual growth and unity among Malon believers and churches.
Ask God to provide education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Malon families.
Pray that Malon churches will send workers to share the gospel with those who have not heard.
Pray for the preservation of the Malol language and cultural identity as the community develops.


Scripture Prayers for the Malon in Papua New Guinea.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malol_language
https://peoplegroups.org/people_groups/pg020881/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Malon
People Name in Country Malon
Alternate Names Arop; Malol; Sissano
Population this Country 6,100
Population all Countries 6,100
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 4  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13459
ROP3 Code 106186
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Sandaun province: Malol village area.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Sandaun province: Malol village area..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
87.00 %
Ethnic Religions
13.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Malol (6,100 speakers)
Language Code mbk   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Malol (6,100 speakers)
Language Code mbk   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Malol

Primary Language:  Malol

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2011-2018)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App iOS Bible app direct APK download SIL
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.