The Penang, one of the last nomadic tribes in Borneo, face the destruction of their ancient rainforest home due to encroaching palm oil plantations and logging companies. Despite their sustainable lifestyle and deep cultural ties to the forest, they struggle to protect their land and preserve their way of life against powerful industrial forces.

The chapter discusses the ancient rainforest in the Malaysian part of Borneo, which is 130 million years old and home to 40 tribes, including the Penang. The forest is under threat from palm oil plantations, and the traditional lifestyle of the Penang, who rely on the forest for their livelihood, is being endangered as their habitat shrinks due to deforestation.

Malaysian timber companies are aggressively trying to acquire land from the Penang people, who rely on the rainforest for their survival and cultural identity. Despite their efforts to resist, including setting up blockades, the Penang face a difficult battle against the powerful logging industry.

The chapter discusses the significance of the sago tree as a vital food source for the Penan people, contrasting it with the labor-intensive cultivation of rice. It also touches on the cultural shifts experienced by the Penan, including their conversion to Christianity and the impact of deforestation on their traditional way of life.

Peng Magut and his tribe, the Penang, live as forest nomads, relying on the forest for food and resources. They have been mapping their territory to prove their land rights, which were recognized by a court in Sarawak in 2011, but they still face challenges due to lack of documentation and environmental destruction.

The Penan people, despite settling down and facing many changes, continue to honor their cultural identity and respect for nature. They have achieved a partial victory in their long-standing fight against powerful companies, giving them some respite in their struggle to protect their ancestral forest lands.