Malaysia

Population: 23,953,136 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Environmental Issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires

The Semelai and Tasek Bera

The Semelai people are the indigenous community that has lived within the wetland system of Tasek Bera for centuries. The Semelai have traditionally been a society of hunters and gatherers, obtaining food through fishing and shifting cultivation techniques. Over the last 20 years the oldest inhabitants of this area have witnessed many changes to their lake system and consequently, their way of life. One of the largest changes to their lives has occurred through the decreasing water level of the wetlands.

Tasek Bera is a unique freshwater riverine swamp within peninsula Malaysia. The watershed area covers 61,383 ha and is Malaysia’s only Wetland of International Significance (RAMSAR). There is a significant amount of development around the wetland including rubber plantations, oil palm plantations and engineering works for tourism development.

The Semelai are confronted by an uncertain future, as their social and cultural practices are threatened by a receding wetland ecosystem. On the other hand, the government has provided limited employment opportunities and improved access to transport and technology.

	Batin Hokkin and Batin Pito
	Both Batin Hokkin (58) and Batin Pito (66) are village chiefs within the area of Pos Iskander, a small settlement of Semelai people on the banks of Tasek Bera. They now live in a permanent settlement, but it wasn’t always that way. Over this time they have both witnessed significant changes to Tasek Bera and the lives of their people.
	Mak Ngah
	Mak Ngah is a teacher in traditional weaving practices within the village of Pos Iskander. She works with Wetlands International and the United Nations Development Program to educate younger women in the village traditional weaving practices. These are used to promote the handy crafts of the village for ecotourism development.
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