By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 8: Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau has denied allegations that a logging company in Long Tepen had “betrayed” the Penan community, stressing that recent media reports are unbalanced and do not reflect the real situation on the ground.
The controversy arose after residents of Kampung Long Tepen in Pelutan, Baram reportedly built blockades to protest what they allege to be illegal encroachment into their native customary rights (NCR) land in Coupe 7.
In another development, a broadcast news portal yesterday (June 7) reported that the protests were based on claims that the company failed to comply with earlier agreements and caused river pollution, affecting the community’s livelihood.
However, Dennis clarified that the claims do not represent the true state of affairs.
“They are only protesting now. For many years, I have passed through this area and no issues were raised. It is only recently that these concerns have come up.
“Moreover, the claim that the river water has turned salty is untrue. This issue is exaggerated to attract attention from external non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and to stir political interference,” he said, as quoted by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
Dennis further explained that the project in question is not conventional logging but a reforestation effort approved and directed by the Sarawak Forestry Department (FDS) as part of conservation initiatives following International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) standards.
“This is not solely the company’s decision. The company in question and other companies are implementing State government policies to ensure a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability,” he added.
Dennis also informed that the company has fully handed over the issue to the authorities.
“The company will not make any further comments as they have entrusted the Forestry Department to handle this matter,” he emphasised.
At the same time, he expressed regret that the company’s contributions and commitment to local community development have been overlooked.
“Long Tepen is a model village in my constituency. The primary school there is the only one with approved construction by the Ministry of Education (MOE), thanks to close cooperation between the community and the school.
“Moreover, some children from this village have received Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) scholarships to pursue higher education in Peninsular Malaysia. This is the result of good relations among the company, government and local community,” he stressed.
He urged the residents to appreciate the various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives contributed by the company over the years and to not be easily influenced by external pressures that could disrupt community harmony. — DayakDaily
