By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 15: Logging activities by a timber company in the disputed Upper Baram area have been temporarily halted following sustained resistance from the Penan community of Sawa Ali, who have opposed operations on what they claim to be their ancestral land.
The halt comes after months of community action and formal complaints lodged by the Penan, amid heightened tensions during the recent holiday period when villagers reported intimidation and threats allegedly linked to the logging activities.
In a press release jointly issued by three non-governmental organisations (NGOs), namely Keruan, Save Rivers and Bruno Manser Fonds, representative of the Penan community said the temporary stop demonstrated that their resistance had an impact.
“This temporary halt shows that our resistance matters. We are standing firm to protect our land, our forests and our future.
“We will not accept violence, threats or the destruction of our ancestral territory,” the representative was quoted as saying.
Since August 2024, several Indigenous communities in Upper Baram have been opposing logging carried out under a concession that has drawn criticism over its potential impact on one of Sarawak’s remaining primary rainforest areas.
The concession has also raised concerns over the alleged absence of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from affected Indigenous communities.
According to the Penan, multiple police reports have been filed over alleged verbal abuse, physical intimidation, hate speech and defamation said to be connected to the logging operations. The reports claim these incidents have created fear and insecurity among villagers in Sawa Ali.
The community further alleged that hostile statements and threats were made by the company’s general manager.
Despite the pressure, the Penan community said it has remained firm through ground resistance, legal steps and formal complaints to authorities, which they believe contributed to the disruption of the logging activities.
The community reiterated its call for their customary land rights to be respected and stressed that any activity in the area must fully adhere to FPIC principles.
While describing the halt as temporary, the Penan said it sends a strong signal that Indigenous communities will continue to challenge logging they view as unlawful or unethical. – DayakDaily
