Malaysian tribe arms with blowpipes to forestall palm oil plantation

In Malaysia, indigenous tribes in the state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, have armed themselves with blowpipes and are blockading local roads in an attempt to forestall rainforest destruction and land conversion to palm oil plantations.

The protesters are nomadic hunter-gatherers of the Penan tribe, who have lived in the area for centuries and whose lifestyle is threatened by habitat destruction.

Four timber companies have halted operations, while local legislators have expressed dismay at activities by “outsiders” and said that Sarawak’s overall plan will double state income.  The Times of London reports on the efforts of the Survival NGO to oppose timber companies and palm oil planters. of fomenting trouble and pledged to have “sincere” and “heart-to-heart” discussions.

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