BBC Knowledge - Exploring Malaysia

Episode 1

Nature

In ‘Nature’ presenter Joanna Bessey heads out of the capital and into her country’s natural world. She explores the splendor of Malaysia’s natural environment and wildlife, speaking out against the damage that modernization and industrialization is inflicting upon its preservation.

Taking us into Taman Negara National Park Joanna contrasts the vibrant life of the ancient rainforest with the destruction of millions hectares of forest across Malaysia. She visits a Batek village, an indigenous community living within the park, and learns how to use a blow pipe for hunting. From the forests of the land to the forests of the sea, Joanna travels to Pulau Lang Tengah, an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island is famous for its snorkeling and diving, but unfortunately the coral has been facing serious threat. Joanna speaks to a local dive master to find out more about the ecological health of the marine habitat.

In part two Joanna explores the natural world of East Malaysia, Malaysia’s portion of the island of Borneo, which has some of the richest biodiversity on earth. Joanna looks at the history of the land by visiting Niah National Park, the site of some of South-East Asia’s most important archaeological discoveries. Then, revealing current threats to the ancient habitat and its wildlife, Joanna visits a conservation project for Sun Bears. Finally, episode one draws to a close with Joanna riding with the Bajau horsemen.

Episode 2

Architecture

Joanna Bessey heads straight for Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia’s image to the world presenting a country full of progress and aspiration. Joanna then explores the dangers of the thrust for modernity, such as expense to the environment and heritage architecture.

Joanna talks to leading architect in ecological design, Dr Ken Yeang, about designing low energy buildings. She then steps back in time to explore Malaysia’s cultural heritage, visiting the Sultan Abdul Samad Building before catching the Eastern and Oriental Express en route to Penang, the site of the first British settlement in the region. Here Joanna reveals the obstacles faced by those who spend their lives protecting, restoring and giving new life heritage architecture, visiting Suffolk House and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

Last stop on her architecture expedition is Melaka, which was one of the most important stops on the spice route. Its architecture and culture reflects its rich history and is a melting pot of Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Joanna then visits a traditional Malay house which was built to suit the incredibly hot climate, before going on to meet the owners of a traditional Peranakan house – the ‘Straits Chinese’ who over the centuries have integrated with the Malay culture.

Episode 3

Food & Fashion

In ‘Food & Fashion’ presenter Joanna Bessey explores Malaysia’s fusion of cultures and traditions in its tastes and textures. Starting in East Malaysia (Borneo) Joanna embarks on a journey into the homeland of the Iban, the largest ethnic group in East Malaysia’s state of Sarawak. She joins an Iban family for dinner, helping to prepare the meal. A good deal of the food and cooking utensils are sourced from the surrounding jungle.

Consuming local produce at a local level demonstrates sustainable consumption; however, Joanna reveals the downside of exporting local delicacies much further afield with demand from a much bigger market. She visits the Kota Bahru Central Market back on Peninsular Malaysia and discovers turtle eggs for sale. Whilst the origin of the eggs is unclear, excessive egg-collection for consumption is contributing to the looming extinction of some turtle populations.

In part two Joanna is back in Kuala Lumpur and explores the fusion of cultures that is clear in both dishes and dresses alike. She firstly explores Malaysian Chinese cuisine, taking part in creating a black pepper crab dish, and then meets a fashion designer who fuses differing traditions and motifs with modern twists to create his designs. Lastly, Joanna takes part in Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, which is celebrated across Malaysia and is also a day of feasting.