The specific epithet acuminata means 'tapering to a narrow point', referring to the leaf apex.

[3] Payena acuminata grows up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 75 cm (30 in).

[1] Payena acuminata has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.

Forests in Borneo are threatened by logging and mining and by conversion of land for rubber and palm oil production.

The species is present in some protected areas, such as Taman Negara National Park in Peninsular Malaysia.