Borneo Death Blow
Synopsis
Fewer than 10% of Sarawak's primary rainforest remains intact, threatening the survival of the Penan tribe and their traditional way of life.
Synopsis
Bala, a semi-nomadic Penan tribesman, searches for food in the shrinking rainforest of Borneo. He relies on the toxic Tajem tree to prepare poison for his blowpipe darts. Over 50 years, the Malaysian government has facilitated extensive logging in Sarawak, leading to the destruction of primary rainforest and displacing many indigenous communities. Fewer than 10% of the original forest remains. The Penan, once living as nomadic hunter-gatherers, now face dwindling resources and are forced to adapt to a changing environment.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See the impact of palm oil on Borneo's rainforest.
- Meet Bala, a semi-nomadic Penan tribesman adapting to change.
- Find out about the deadly Tajem poison used by the Penan.
- Discover the survival skills of the Penan in a changing environment.
Did You Know
- Less than 10% of Sarawak’s primary rainforest remains intact.
- The Penan tribe consists of about 15,000 individuals.
- Half of the world's annual supply of tropical timber comes from Borneo.
- The Tajem tree, used for poison on hunting darts, can grow up to 40 meters high.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of the Penan tribe?
There are approximately 15,000 Penan people living in Borneo.
What is Tajem and how is it used by the Penan?
Tajem is a poison derived from the Tajem tree, used by the Penan on the tips of their hunting darts to kill small prey instantly.
What percentage of Sarawak's primary rainforest remains intact?
Less than 10% of Sarawak's primary rainforest remains intact.
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