Plight of the Natives of Sarawak

I went along with people from Bloomberg, Malaysiakini and NGO to this beautiful Kampung Bengoh. This is my first encounter with the natives who live inside the jungle. Taking my first step into the jungle, I had this wonderful feeling that this is going to be a good trip for my photography experience. Kpg Bengoh, projected for the building of a dam will be submerged in water. The villagers who have lived there for more than two decades will have to move out and it will be the end of this beautiful place & their culture.

Scenic view at Rejoi.

Kids sitting on the steps lined with bamboo (trail leading to the villages) for a photo session.

The first of the many hanging bamboo bridges crossing the river.

YooLim & Sagan from Bloomberg interviewing the villagers.

Our host at Bojong village, Mr Bodui in the midst of the interview by Malaysiakini.

Mr Jeplin who happens to work for an NGO is the son of Mr Bodui.

Shots of some of the villagers during their off day from farm.

This man is said to be more than a 100 years old, according to the villagers.



Mr Jeplin's mother preparing breakfast for us. The meals were cooked with burning wood and the smell & taste were great.

One of the many waterfalls found in the villages.

Our host (Mr Simo) at Rejoi village, who is also a preacher.

The primary school being shared between Rejoi and Semban, have 55 students in it. Rejoi electricity are powered by solar energy but it's only of a single bulb and a radio consumption for each household.

The toilet for the primary school.

Below, you'll see that the work for the dam has started at the entry point to the villages above, even without the full consent of the villagers to move out of there and be relocated.