Latest news with #Penan
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Savages review – indigenous teen and baby orangutan take on developers in Borneo
Claude Barras is the Swiss animator whose 2016 debut My Life As a Courgette was a wonderfully tender study of childhood which won hearts (and an Oscar nomination). His followup is a likable, admirably intentioned if slightly more predictable entertainment, in which the good guys and the bad guys are more obvious. Again it is a stop-motion animation, now set in Borneo's rainforest, threatened by commercial exploitation and destruction. Kéria (voiced by Babette De Coster) is a teenage girl living on the edge of this rich and beautiful wilderness, with her widower dad (Benoît Poelvoorde), who is glumly employed by one of the palm-oil plantations that is eroding it. Kéria is partly of indigenous Penan heritage, and is irritated when her Penan cousin Selaï (Martin Verset) comes to stay after his home village is wiped out. Together they get lost in the forest with a baby orangutan called Oshi which Kéria and her dad rescued when the evil planters shot its mother. Their adventures take them to the truth about Kéria's dad and her late mother, to her Penan heritage and to a fateful confrontation with the plantation officials, who are swaggering, gun-toting bullies. Kéria and the tribespeople courageously face down these people with their blow-pipes containing unpoisoned darts (the cringing company cowards, fearing for their lives, soon lose their nerve). However, the campaign website about the Borneo rainforest which accompanies this film notably does not actually advocate direct action of this sort. Savages is in UK and Irish cinemas from 1 August
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Savages review – indigenous teen and baby orangutan take on developers in Borneo
Claude Barras is the Swiss animator whose 2016 debut My Life As a Courgette was a wonderfully tender study of childhood which won hearts (and an Oscar nomination). His followup is a likable, admirably intentioned if slightly more predictable entertainment, in which the good guys and the bad guys are more obvious. Again it is a stop-motion animation, now set in Borneo's rainforest, threatened by commercial exploitation and destruction. Kéria (voiced by Babette De Coster) is a teenage girl living on the edge of this rich and beautiful wilderness, with her widower dad (Benoît Poelvoorde), who is glumly employed by one of the palm-oil plantations that is eroding it. Kéria is partly of indigenous Penan heritage, and is irritated when her Penan cousin Selaï (Martin Verset) comes to stay after his home village is wiped out. Together they get lost in the forest with a baby orangutan called Oshi which Kéria and her dad rescued when the evil planters shot its mother. Their adventures take them to the truth about Kéria's dad and her late mother, to her Penan heritage and to a fateful confrontation with the plantation officials, who are swaggering, gun-toting bullies. Kéria and the tribespeople courageously face down these people with their blow-pipes containing unpoisoned darts (the cringing company cowards, fearing for their lives, soon lose their nerve). However, the campaign website about the Borneo rainforest which accompanies this film notably does not actually advocate direct action of this sort. Savages is in UK and Irish cinemas from 1 August
The Star
5 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Sarawak's genetic diversity can help future-proof our health
In conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Independence Day observed annually on July 22, we celebrated not only Sarawak's journey as an autonomous state within Malaysia but also its invaluable contribution to the nation's greatest untapped resource – our genetic diversity. Sarawak, home to more than 40 ethnic groups including the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu and the Penan, holds a rich mosaic of genetic variation. This diversity is not just a cultural heritage but a powerful scientific asset in understanding how Malaysians respond to diseases. As we move forward with the MyGenom Project – a national initiative aimed at sequencing the genomes of Malaysians from diverse ethnicities – Sarawak's unique population structure becomes increasingly important in building the country's health resilience. Population immunology studies how immune responses vary between individuals and populations. These differences are often shaped by genetics. Just as our physical traits differ – such as height, skin tone and hair texture – so do our immune responses to pathogens, medications and vaccinations. Genetic diversity is crucial in understanding why some individuals are more susceptible to infectious diseases such as dengue, tuberculosis or Covid-19, while others exhibit stronger resistance or milder symptoms. It also explains varying responses to vaccines and treatments. In Sarawak, for example, indigenous populations may carry different immune gene variants compared to urban Peninsular Malaysians, influencing how they respond to diseases or drugs. This is where genome mapping becomes critical. The MyGenom Project is a timely and ambitious effort to catalogue the genetic variants present in our population, including those from minority and indigenous groups. The early phases of genome studies in Malaysia were dominated by data from the three main ethnic groups – Malays, Chinese and Indians. However, this does not reflect the full scope of our population. Including East Malaysian groups helps capture the broader spectrum of genetic variation that exists in Malaysia. The people of Sarawak, with their deep ancestral roots and minimal admixture, offer insights into immune-related genes that may have evolved to counter local pathogens in tropical rainforest environments. These could include gene variants involved in inflammation, antiviral response and vaccine effectiveness. High cases of leprosy Among Sarawak's indigenous peoples, the Penan – a traditionally nomadic group from the interior forests of Baram and Belaga – are of special interest. Despite their isolation, they have experienced disproportionately high rates of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Why the Penan are particularly prone to leprosy remains under investigation, but genome science offers several clues. Leprosy susceptibility is known to be influenced by host genetics, particularly genes involved in innate immunity. These genes are involved in recognising mycobacteria and regulating inflammatory responses during infection. Preliminary observations suggest that the Penan may carry unique variants or haplotypes in these immunity genes, possibly inherited through generations of geographic and genetic isolation. It is also hypothesised that low genetic diversity within small, isolated communities like the Penan may contribute to the concentration of certain susceptibility alleles. Including the Penan in the MyGenom Project is not only scientifically valuable but ethically necessary. It provides an opportunity to understand population-specific risks, tailor health screening, and design effective community-based interventions. Understanding the genetic variation in immunity genes can help in developing tailored vaccines and therapies, predicting disease risk, improving outbreak response and strengthening precision medicine. Sarawak has a critical role in this movement. The inclusion of underrepresented groups in the MyGenom Project ensures that health policies, treatments and diagnostics are inclusive and equitable. Leaving them out risks creating a healthcare gap where indigenous communities receive solutions based on data from unrelated populations. In the past, genomics research involving indigenous groups faced criticism due to poor community engagement or lack of benefit-sharing. The current initiative addresses this by ensuring ethical collection, community consultation, and data sovereignty – empowering Sarawakian communities to participate actively in research that affects their future. Sarawak Independence Day is a reminder of autonomy and identity, but also of shared responsibility in building a healthier Malaysia. Genetics is no longer just an academic pursuit, it is a national investment into the health of future generations. We must ensure that the MyGenom Project continues to be inclusive, transparent and scientifically robust. Sarawak's contribution to this project is not merely symbolic – it is foundational. By integrating Sarawak's unique population into our national genetic map, we are not only unlocking clues to our past but building tools to face the future. Let us celebrate the wealth of Sarawak's genetic and cultural diversity, and recognise it as a pillar of national strength in population health and disease resilience. Dr Rafidah Lani is a viral immunologist and senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
97 Miri groups receive RM601,100 in MRP grants to boost community development
Lee (second left) presents an MRP cheque for Musolla Al-Azhar of Lutong Fire Station, received by station chief Henry Jugah. MIRI (July 26): A total of 97 non-government organisations (NGO), associations, religious bodies, and clubs here have been awarded Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants amounting to RM601,100. The grants were presented by Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, during a two-session ceremony today, due to the high number of recipients. In his speech, Lee emphasised the importance of unity and inclusivity, urging all people – regardless of race or background – to work together as one community. 'Unity among all Sarawakians is the most important factor in driving the state's continued development and prosperity,' he said. 'Whether you are Penan, Kelabit, Orang Ulu, Indian, Malay, or Chinese; if you are born and live here, you are Sarawakian,' he added. Lee noted that the MRP grants are meant to complement existing government programmes, particularly in promoting unity and creating more job and business opportunities. He also praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the state's ongoing infrastructure transformation, citing the successful completion of 16 bridges statewide. 'We now have 16 completed bridges fully funded by the Sarawak government – no more ferries, even long bridges over one kilometre have been built,' Lee said. He also announced that a 17th bridge has been approved for Miri, stretching 1,850 metres from Miri Golf Club to the Miri City Council area. 'Miri tidak kalah lah (Miri is not left behind),' Lee quipped. 'I told our Premier that Bintulu has its iconic bridge, so Miri deserves one too.' Lee also thanked the residents of Miri for their support in making the recent Sarawak Day celebration a success. 'All the events went smoothly with the cooperation of everyone. Well done to the people of Miri,' he said.
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Humanitarian mission backs Long Tepen Penans in land rights struggle
George ( left) hands over the donation to the representatives of the Penan community in Long Tepen. MIRI (July 24): The Penan communities from Tinjar and Belaga, along with members of the Dayak community, have extended humanitarian aid to the Penan folks of Long Tepen, Baram, who are currently engaged in a peaceful blockade to defend their ancestral land rights. The solidarity initiative involved the delivery of essential food items and moral support to the community, which has maintained its presence at the protest site. Led by Gilbert Magok, the contributions included mineral water, rice, coffee, sugar, and instant noodles, all of which were handed over to the Long Tepen residents. A community representative, who wished to be identified as George, told The Borneo Post that the initiative stemmed purely from a place of concern for their fellow indigenous brethren and bore no connection to political groups or external agendas. 'It is a purely humanitarian nature, and this donation serves as a moral support and a sign of solidarity for our tribe to continue being strong in fighting for our customary land rights,' George said. He said the effort was part of what the community called a 'Dayak peace trust', which took place on Sunday, July 20. 'My tribe and I completed what we call the Dayak peace trust,' he said, highlighting how the collective effort brought together indigenous communities from across the region. Support came from the Penans in Tinjar Lapok and Urun Belaga, alongside members of the Sarawak Dayak community, and the Padawan Bidayuh tribes. 'The donation was intended to ease the daily challenges faced by those stationed at the blockade location, where Long Tepen residents continue their peaceful demonstration to protect their ancestral lands,' George said. He reiterated that the mission is entirely non-political, focusing instead on strengthening inter-tribal unity in the face of shared challenges. The Long Tepen community has been engaged in a blockade against logging activities by a company operating in the area. Two men, aged 52 and 57, were reportedly arrested on June 30 by the police for allegedly obstructing Sarawak Forest Department officials from carrying out their duties. The duo was remanded for four days before being released on bail, pending further instructions from the Sarawak Attorney General's Chambers. ancestral land rights humanitarian aid Long Tepen Penan
