By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 10: Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang has called upon relevant authorities to reconsider the boundary of the Forest Reserve Extension, specifically to exclude Kampung Pasir Hulu and Kampung Jantan from its jurisdiction.
This marks the second time Sujang has raised the issue in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) during its current session, which runs from May 6 to 15.
The initial appeal was made during the November session last year.
Bringing up the issue to the attention of Sarawak Legislative Assembly again in this sitting, he explained that the Forest Reserve Extension which was carried in 2005 had included two traditional villages of Kampung Pasir Hulu and Kampung Jantan.
“For Pasir Hulu village, more than half of the traditional village area is located in the Forest Reserve Extension area while for Jantan village, more than a third of the traditional village area is located in the Forest Reserve Extension area.
“The history of these villages indicates that they have been occupying the land more than 100 years ago. They are now been plagued by anxiety because their residences and all the land that they have tilled are located in the Forest Reserve Extension Area.
Highlighting the longstanding presence of these villages, Sujang urged the Sarawak government to uphold the principles of Sarawak Ku Sayang and Sarawak First by reviewing the situation.
“I appeal to the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government, under the leadership of YAB Premier Sarawak (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg), the Director of the Sarawak Forest Department, and the Director of the Land and Survey Department, to reconsider this matter,” Sujang stated.
He implored the Sarawak government to settle the issue and not let the frustration and anger of the people continue to build up. — DayakDaily
