Yo, you international #RayaAndTheLastDragon fans. The lake which inspired Sisu is literally being destroyed, please read the below and spread the word thanks!
Sisu was inspired by several myths, in particular, Naga Tasik Chini (Naga of Chini Lake). This myth is a Jakun Tribe folktale (one of many indigenous groups in Malaysia) and they rely on the lake for fresh water and their livelihoods. Besides this, the lake is rich in flora and fauna, Unesco even conferred World Biosphere Reserve status on the lake. Essentially, Tasik Chini is an environmentally, culturaly and socially important place.
(Img srced from the above article)
The lake is being threatened by a gov approved mining operations in the vicinity of the lake to a royalty-linked company. Besides this, there’s always been weak political will to halt harmful logging and mining activities in the lake surrounds.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure how much can be done to stop this, or how to exert pressure to ensure the lake’s protection. Powerful people are behind this particular mining firm, and it is government sanctioned (me writing this is probably seditious). Dissent is heavily punished in Malaysia, especially if it’s against the monarchy.
Indigenous land that Raya has drawn inspiration from is being destroyed. I think every fan owes at least acknowledgement of the sheer disregard to our environment and the people living off it. SEA rep is not more important than solidarity and action to support actual SEA lives. I doubt international pressure from fans would work :’D One can hope.
