Three years ago we interviewed Batin Sidin of Kampung Sungai Bunbun in Carey Island.

The kampung is one of four Mah Meri villages on the island. He had lamented then that there were no monkeys left on the island for them to eat since oil palm have taken over rubber as the main plantation industry.

Now it seems there are also no more nipah palms for them to use as traditional clothing, for crafts and ceremonial decorations.

Traditionally the Mah Meri derive their livelihood from the sea and jungle and 'Mah Meri' means 'forest people'. They once roamed the coastal areas of the southern Malaya but have settled in Pulau Carey which they call 'Teluk Gunjeng' and in the Tanjung Sepat area of Kuala Langat.

They are also known for their woodwork and is the only Orang Asli people who are skilled carvers. Their masks are renown worldwide, but even this skill is under threat as it is difficult to find wood and other raw resources to produce their crafts.

In a 2005 census, they number just 2,200 people. With livelihood from their 'tanah rayau' close to almost gone, how many more generations will the Mah Meri last before they, like the jungle that once surrounded them, will also disappear?