On Today Show
— Gereng Jadum, Residents of Penan Metalun, Murum – Broken Promises and Layoffs: The Penan's Battle for Fair Treatment
— Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist – Controversial Carbon Deal in Sabah: NGOs Take Legal Action
— Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan – Baram Residents Face Risky Journeys After Log Bridge Collapse

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Gereng Jadum, Penduduk Penan Metalun, Murum – Janji Yang Dilanggar dan Pembuangan Kerja: Pertarungan Penan untuk Layanan Adil
— Barnie Lasimbang, Pengasas Tonibung, aktivis alam sekitar – Perjanjian Karbon Kontroversi di Sabah: NGO Ambil Tindakan Undang-Undang
— Anyi Lah dari Long Tebangan – Penduduk Baram Menghadapi Perjalanan Berisiko Selepas Jambatan Balak Roboh

• Read More

  Special Randau
                  1. 126 Penan Murum workers working with the Danum Sinar plantation company were dismissed without notice. Companies replace them by employing Indonesian foreign workers without valid work permits. That's according to Gereng Jadum - the spokesman for the Murum Penan tribe who set up the blockade on July 28, 2024. A period of 3 weeks was requested from Danum Sinar to resolve the problem regarding the Penan people who were laid off.

                  2. Sarawak will send a delegation to Australia to study the conservation and management of crocodiles in that country - said Sarawak Premier Johari Openg. "it seems that the Sarawak river is full of crocodiles, so I decided that a team should be sent to Australia to do research to control the crocodile population". He said this while inaugurating the 10th World Herpetology Conference at BCCK-Kuching. There must be a right way to control the crocodile population, not by building cascading dams as claimed by Premier Johari Openg all this time.
  -------------------------

  Gereng Jadum, Residents of Penan Metalun, Murum

  Broken Promises and Layoffs: The Penan's Battle for Fair Treatment

  Since the Penan were moved to the Tegulang and Metalun settlements in 2013 to make way for the construction of the Murum Dam, they have expected a better life than in their original place. However, after four years in the new Murum settlement, the monthly subsistence allowance of RM850 per family was stopped. The government had initially promised to continue providing subsistence assistance until the Penan people became independent and had their own income. Unfortunately, on May 28, 2024, 126 Penan Murum employees were laid off by the Danum Sinar company, where they worked as manual laborers in the company's oil palm plantations.

  On July 28, 2024, these 126 Penan set up a blockade, dissatisfied with being fired without notice. On July 31, 2024, Danum Sinar requested a period of three weeks to resolve the problem after the labor department and the police became involved. Now, the 126 laid-off workers are hoping for success in negotiations led by their lawyers. The Penan people are demanding compensation for being laid off and are also demanding that the Kelayan and Lakin Estates be given to them so they can manage the two farms themselves. In total, Danum Sinar owns six oil palm estates in Murum.

  When asked why their demand is rational, Gereng explained that the palm oil estates were opened on their land, so they have the right to them. They have already established their own company to manage the farm. Although Gereng is still working with Danum Sinar, he feels compelled to speak up on behalf of his dismissed colleagues. "I'm not afraid of being fired. I still speak up for my friends who were fired without notice," he said. Gereng also revealed that the Indonesian workers employed to replace the dismissed Penan do not have valid work permits.
  -------------------------

  Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist
  *Controversial Carbon Deal in Sabah: NGOs Take Legal Action*

  The NCA agreement signed by the Sabah government with an unknown Singapore-based company, Hock Standard, has sparked significant controversy and legal action. Upon conducting research, Barnie Lasimbang discovered that Hock Standard has no experience in handling conservation or carbon marketing. The NCA agreement granted exclusive rights to Hock Standard to manage and carry out carbon marketing on 2,000,000 hectares of protected Sabah forests for a hundred years. This revelation was particularly shocking because the agreement was hidden from public knowledge until it was published by an international portal during COP25 in Glasgow.

  Due to the lack of transparency and numerous arising questions, Barnie and several NGOs in Sabah filed an Originating Summons in 2022 to identify and produce documents related to the NCA. In December 2022, Barnie and his team were granted a court order, and in January 2023, they received copies of the original documents for review. They found that the agreement was highly one-sided and included a shocking term stating that the agreement was irrevocable and above the law. Consequently, Barnie and his team lodged a complaint with the United Nations, citing several violations of UN standards.

  Later, the Sabah Attorney General stated that the NCA could not be implemented. However, in August 2023, Sabah Chief Minister Dato Sri Hajiji announced that Sabah would proceed with the NCA agreement with some amendments to certain clauses. This announcement came as a shock to Barnie and his team. Another press release by Jeffrey Kitingan revealed that 600,000 hectares had been allocated for the initial project under the NCA in Nuluhon Terusmadi, raising further concerns. All these approvals were made in violation of the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the affected communities.

  In October 2023, a Judicial Review was filed, and the court started the process with written submissions from both parties via their respective counsel. The hearing of the case finally took place on July 31, in open court, where Jubili Anilik was appointed as Watching Brief on behalf of the CSOs. The counsel for the respondents argued that the Judicial Review was invalid for not being filed within the 60-day timeframe from the date the issue was known. However, Barnie and his team believed that the NCA could not be implemented as stated by the Attorney General.
  -------------------------

  Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan

  Baram Residents Face Risky Journeys After Log Bridge Collapse

  Anyi Lah confirmed that a log bridge has collapsed, affecting the movement of residents from four villages who rely on this road as their main route. This is the fate of the Orang Ulu when timber becomes scarce, and logging companies abandon the bridges they built. The people often urge their representative, Dennis Ngau, to request the government to build a bridge using steel. Unfortunately, the representative only says he will discuss it with the logging companies, leading to increasingly risky journeys for villagers who must cross the deteriorating log bridge.

  Despite 61 years of independence, Baram remains underdeveloped, even though Sarawak is considered a high-income state according to the World Bank. Why does Baram still have dilapidated schools and insufficient clinics? Every week, Anyi delivers food supplies to remote schools and is saddened by the poor condition of schools in Ulu Baram.

  In the 61 years of the state government, only 10-20% of development goals for Baram have been achieved, which is not commensurate with Sarawak's independence.

---

On Today Show
— Gereng Jadum, Residents of Penan Metalun, Murum Resettlement area – Job Cuts and Blockades: The Penan's Struggle in Murum
— Dennis Along, President of the Tering Community Association Miri – Tering Community Leader Challenges Deputy Premier on Dayak Development
— Jeffrery Ngui, chairman of MUDA Sarawak – Opposition Unity and Democratic Values: Jeffrey Criticizes GPS's Remarks

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Gereng Jadum, Penduduk Penan Metalun, Kawasan Penempatan Semula Murum – Pemotongan Pekerjaan dan Sekatan: Perjuangan Penan di Murum
— Dennis Along, Presiden Persatuan Komuniti Tering Miri – Pemimpin Komuniti Tering Mencabar Timbalan Perdana Menteri Mengenai Pembangunan Dayak
— Jeffrery Ngui, Pengerusi MUDA Sarawak – Kesatuan Pembangkang dan Nilai-Nilai Demokrasi: Jeffrey Mengkritik Kenyataan GPS

• Read More

  Special Randau

                  1. Malaysia is among the top 10 countries that generate the highest amount of plastic waste in the world. Therefore, the minister of natural resources and natural sustainability - Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad issued a circular banning single-use plastics for all official functions and meetings of the government, local authorities and government-related companies. It is in line with the government's efforts to move towards a low carbon economy and net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

                  2. The construction of the dam failed to improve the economic status of the Penan people. The Penan clan set up a blockade in front of the entrance of the oil palm plantation company Danum Sinar where 126 Penan workers were dismissed and replaced by foreign workers from Indonesia. When campaigning and persuading the Penan people to agree to the dam construction project - the gps government promised modernity and progress for the Penan people. Those are all empty promises - said Gereng Jadum, the leader of the blockade.

  ------------------

  Gereng Jadum, Residents of Penan Metalun, Murum Resettlement area
  *Job Cuts and Blockades: The Penan's Struggle in Murum*

  On July 27, 2024, three Penan villages in Murum, namely Long Lua, Long Menapa, and Long Tangau, initiated a blockade in front of the Danum Sinar Estate Arau farm. This action was a protest against the abrupt dismissal of 126 Penan workers by Danum Sinar without the mandated three months' notice. For the past six years, these Penan individuals had been employed as oil palm fruit pickers in the Kelayan Estate and Lakin Estate areas. Danum Sinar, a plantation company owned by billionaires from peninsular Malaysia, manages six estates in the Murum area, including Estate Arau, Estate Marung 1, Estate Marung 2, Estate Jabon, Estate Lakin, and Estate Kelayan.

  On May 28, 2024, Danum Sinar terminated the services of the 126 Penan workers, citing financial difficulties as the reason for their inability to pay salaries and manage administrative expenses. However, Gereng Jadum, a Penan leader, believes this to be a mere pretext, pointing out that the company subsequently hired foreign workers from Indonesia to replace the dismissed Penan laborers.

  In response to their dismissal, the Penan people sought the assistance of YB Senator Abun Sui, requesting him to write a letter to Danum Sinar. Additionally, they enlisted the help of a Chinese lawyer to represent them legally. On July 31, 2024, the blockade was temporarily halted to facilitate negotiations between the Danum Sinar management, the police, the Sarawak Labor Department, Penan lawyers, and Penan residents. The Penan community, led by Gereng, demanded compensation and job opportunities, along with the management of the Kelayan Estate being handed over to them. Gereng warned that failure to meet their demands would result in the reinstatement of the blockade.

  The Penan people, resettled in the Murum area to make way for the Murum dam construction, have faced ongoing challenges since their relocation. The Sarawak government has yet to provide basic facilities, job opportunities, or agricultural plots for Penan farmers. Communication issues in the remote regions of Sarawak have further complicated the situation, making it difficult for external parties, including RFS, to establish contact with Gereng and his community until recently.

  ------------------

  Dennis Along, President of the Tering Community Association Miri

  Tering Community Leader Challenges Deputy Premier on Dayak Development

  Dennis Along countered the statement made by Sarawak Deputy Premier Amar Douglas Uggah, who urged NGOs in Sarawak to work together with the Sarawak Government for the advancement of the Dayak community.

  Dennis Along described the Deputy Premier's statement as foolish, arguing that despite the PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) having been in power for over 60 years, the Dayak community remains underdeveloped. He questioned the whereabouts and actions of the Dayak representatives (YBs) over the past six decades, who have failed to advance the Dayak community, even though the government has the capability to do so without the collaboration of NGOs.

  Dennis stated that if he were the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, he would not make such a foolish statement because the government should be able to help the Dayak community without the need for NGO collaboration. He questioned why the Dayak community is lagging behind while other ethnic groups, such as the Malays, are more advanced. He attributed this to the fact that Malay representatives actively support the Malay community, serving as an example for Dayak representatives, who should be able to advance the Dayak community without involving NGOs.

  ------------------

  Jeffrery Ngui, chairman of MUDA Sarawak

  Opposition Unity and Democratic Values: Jeffrey Criticizes GPS's Remarks

  A widely discussed hot topic recently has been the successive public statements by GPS leaders that PKR should not contest in the upcoming state election. In response, Jeffrey asked: Do we still have democracy?

  This is not the ideal pursued by opposition parties. Even MUDA would choose to voice out for the people and contest in state elections. These parties have been working at the grassroots level for decades, gaining grassroots support and hoping for change and development. If they do not contest, it would betray their decades-long persistence and ideals.

  Whether to contest or not should be decided by the respective parties themselves, not by GPS. Opposition parties, including MUDA, should often ask themselves what they want to bring to Sarawak society and whether they have fulfilled their promises to their supporters.

---

On Today Show
— Peter Ero, Resident of Uma Badeng Bakun Resettlement Scheme – Environmental Crisis: Log Jams in Sarawak Rivers Hinder Local Communities
— Mr. Linggang from Marudi – Youth Vote Could Shape Sarawak's Future

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Peter Ero, Penduduk Skim Penempatan Semula Uma Badeng Bakun – Krisis Alam Sekitar: Halangan Balak di Sungai Sarawak Menghambat Komuniti Tempatan
— Encik Linggang dari Marudi – Undi Belia Boleh Membentuk Masa Depan Sarawak

• Read More

  Special Randau

                  1. Bad Log  jam occurs at Bakun and Murum Dams. According to Peter Ero, Log Jam occurred in Sungai Belepeh and Sungai Linau in Bakun. While it happened in the Danum river in Murum. This happens due to logging waste and wood waste that is not properly disposed of during the dam's impoundment process. It's strange that logging companies produce pollution, the government has to spend money for cleanup. Why did the forest department, SFC or Sarawak environment ministry not take action to prosecute these environmental criminals? Is it because they are GPS cronies?

                  2. Sarawak PKR leader - Roland Engan criticized GPS for money politics and vote buying in the last 2021 state election. Roland wants every state election candidate to abide by the rm100 thousand ringgit spending limit. Try to imagine GPS candidates using a helicopter for 11 days during the campaign and spending rm10 thousand per hour on helicopter rental. Roland's response to GPS's insistence that PKR not contest in the next state election.

  ----------------

  Peter Ero, Resident of Uma Badeng Bakun Resettlement Scheme

  Environmental Crisis: Log Jams in Sarawak Rivers Hinder Local Communities

  A recent report by the Facebook social page "BakunParadise" highlights a severe log jam in the Danum River upstream of the Murum Dam. According to the information provided, the log jam is attributed to both logging activities and wood waste that was not properly cleaned before the dam containment process. Peter, an informant, explained that the accumulation of logging waste and inadequately cleared wood during the dam's impoundment has resulted in significant environmental issues.

  Peter further elaborated that the situation in the Danum and Murum rivers mirrors similar occurrences in the Belepeh and Linau rivers in Bakun. The extensive dumping of hundreds of thousands of tons of wood has created substantial difficulties for the local communities, particularly fishermen who struggle to catch fish. Navigating through the log-covered areas can take at least two hours, severely hampering their movement and daily activities.

  In Bakun, there was previously a company appointed to clean the log jams, receiving a monthly payment of RM2 million. However, the current handling of the situation remains unclear, according to Peter Ero. He expressed concerns over the inefficiency of the log jam cleaning contract, stating that the work is often incomplete despite payments being made.

  For the log jam in the Danum River upstream of the Murum Dam, a Penan friend who wished to remain anonymous revealed that Shin Yang Timber Company operates upstream, along with two oil palm plantation companies, Adam Estate and Semalong Estate. Mr. X, the anonymous source, suggested that these companies are also contributing to the log jam.

  Murum residents have raised complaints about the log jam to the local assemblyman for several years, yet no cleanup efforts have been undertaken. There is growing frustration and suspicion among the community regarding the lack of action by the Forest Department and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) against the logging and oil palm plantation companies responsible for the severe environmental pollution. There is speculation that Shin Yang's wealth and connections with the GPS minister may be a factor in the inaction. The community hopes that logging will be halted and the log jam cleared to facilitate their movements upriver for hunting and fishing.

  ---------------

  Mr. Linggang from Marudi

  Youth Vote Could Shape Sarawak's Future

  Linggang described Abdul Karim Hamzah's statement urging PKR not to contest in the upcoming Sarawak state election as nonsensical. Even though PH leads the Federal government and is allied with GPS, Mr. Linggang believes that GPS fears the impact of Federal and PKR winning several seats in the State Legislative Assembly. GPS fears that PH's attention during the administration of Sarawak would highlight the lack of comprehensive progress by the State government. Without any PKR representatives, it is certain that there will be no watchdogs for the Federal government.

  However, according to Mr. Linggang, it cannot be denied that it is difficult for Sarawak to change governments because many still fear the GPS's political intimidation. What Mr. Linggang hopes for is that votes from the young people who are now eligible to vote will have an impact on Sarawak's politics. But will the young people dare to change for Sarawak's future? Enough of 61 years of being ruled by a party that has long failed to advance the people and the state.

  What is there to be proud of in GPS's achievements when even the roads in the interior are not built for the people's needs? The unity of the Dayak community is also weak because there are still too many associations that only operate independently for their own interests.

---

On Today SHow
— Iswardy Morni- Sarawak PKR Strategy Director – Iswardy Confirms PKR’s Participation in 2026 Sarawak Election: A Game Changer?
— Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – NCR Landowners Beware: Detecting Encroachment with Legal and Community Support
— Faizal Aziz, Chairman of BERSIH 2.0 – Election Watchdog Bersih Opposes Social Media Licensing, Cites Freedom of Speech Concerns

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Iswardy Morni- Pengarah Strategi PKR Sarawak – Iswardy Mengesahkan Penyertaan PKR dalam Pilihan Raya Sarawak 2026: Satu Perubahan Besar?
— Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak – Pemilik Tanah NCR Berhati-hati: Mengesan Pencerobohan dengan Sokongan Undang-Undang dan Komuniti
— Faizal Aziz, Pengerusi BERSIH 2.0 – Badan Pemantau Pilihan Raya Bersih Menentang Pelesenan Media Sosial, Menyatakan Kebimbangan Kebebasan Bersuara

• Read More

  Special Randau

                  1. Update- the case of the eviction of the villagers of the agricultural heritage of the Batin SIMILAJAU river. According to the village chief Panting ak Baling - At the moment they are unable to enter their garden area to collect the produce because the entrance has been fenced off by SFC. But in the near future they will still open the fence. They are still waiting for all the villagers to be able to attend and they are still waiting for the confirmation of the NGO who will also attend to open the fence.

                  2. GPS warned that pKR should not contest in the upcoming Sarawak election. The matter was voiced by the vice president of the UN Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Karim's reason is because the results of the contest will affect the unity government. However, Iswardy Morni said PKR will still compete and this time PKR's chances will be brighter compared to the previous Sarawak PRN. Iswardy reminded Karim that GPS has no right to ban PKR from contesting because there is no cooperation between the two parties at the state level.

                  3. Najib Razak's representation for the charge of money laundering of SRC international company funds amounting to RM27 million has still not received a response from the attorney general even though it has been almost a year. In fact, the trial was postponed to April 2025. On 3 February 2019, Najib was charged with three counts of money laundering. He is accused of receiving income from illegal activities amounting to rm27 million - through 3 bank accounts.

  --------------------------

  Iswardy Morni- Sarawak PKR Strategy Director.

  Iswardy Confirms PKR’s Participation in 2026 Sarawak Election: A Game Changer?

  The hottest political issue discussed in Sarawak for the past week is whether PKR will contest in the 2026 Sarawak state election. PBB vice president Karim Rahman Hamzah said it is not appropriate for PKR/PH to contest. In order to maintain the security of the prime minister until the end of the term. Karim also said that it is not appropriate for PKR to contest because in the past it lost all the seats and this time it may also lose. Iswardy insisted that, whatever the situation - PKR / PH will still compete. According to Iswardy- the scenario at the moment is different from the past in Sarawak. At that time Anwar Ibrahim was not the prime minister and Ph was not the ruling party. Now Anwar is the prime minister and Ph is the main party of the unity government. Will pkr compete affect the unity government in the federation. Iswardy said- won't affect. Because the unity government is only in the federation and will only be re-formed by any party that agrees to join after the election. While in Sarawak there is no formation of a unity government and GPS itself refuses to cooperate in forming a unity government at the state level. So we have no ties and GPS has no right to prohibit us from contesting in the next state election. I'm not saying PKR/PH Sarawak will definitely win. But our chances in the next Sarawak prn will be brighter. Iswardy revealed that PKR Sarawak will hold a congress at the state level in August to streamline the election machinery to face the state election in 2026. We will make sure that we have enough time to prepare to face the Sarawak state election.

  --------------------------

  Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak
  *NCR Landowners Beware: Detecting Encroachment with Legal and Community Support*
  Abun Sui explains how to recognize if NCR (Native Customary Rights) land is being encroached upon by crony companies.

  According to Abun Sui, cases of NCR land encroachment typically occur when a company exceeds boundary limits. As a result, when a company exceeds these limits, the NCR landowners often do not realize the encroachment is happening until machinery enters the land.

  The best way to know the status of NCR land is by using the services of a lawyer who is dedicated to NCR issues.

  Additionally, it is better if community mapping can be conducted to establish the status of NCR land as proof of ownership.

  --------------------------

  Faizal Aziz, Chairman of BERSIH 2.0

  Election Watchdog Bersih Opposes Social Media Licensing, Cites Freedom of Speech Concerns

  Election watchdog Bersih has joined calls for the government to halt plans to implement licensing for social media platforms, describing the move as hasty and prone to abuse.

  Bersih noted that the government has previously used draconian laws, such as Section 8A of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1987 and Sections 211 and 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, to investigate and silence critics.

  Faizal said that, Bersih asserts that the new law will open the door to power abuse and disproportionate actions by the authorities, potentially denying justice to social media service providers, internet messaging service providers, and ultimately stifling freedom of speech.

  Bersih supports the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Article 19's suggestion for the government to halt the decision and establish a social media council to gather stakeholder input. This includes forming an independent committee to address cyberbullying and other abuses on social media and to evaluate a more inclusive regulatory framework.

  He said that, Bersih emphasizes that any new legislation should be based on principles of transparency, fairness, accountability, inclusivity, and respect for human rights.

  Last Saturday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced that all social media services and internet messaging services with at least eight million registered users in Malaysia must apply for a Class License for Applications Service Provision. The new measure, set to be introduced on August 1 and enforced from January 1 next year, aims to tackle cybercrimes, including online fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children.

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On Today Show
— Willie Kajan, Tour Guide from Long Terawan, Mulu – Community-Driven Tourism: Willie Kajan Advocates for Local Benefits in Sarawak
— Apai Mei from Sg Tangap Niah – Connectivity and Comfort: Addressing the Needs of Niah Cave
—  Diog Dios, the head of the PKR Puncak Borneo branch – Helping Hands: MADANI Aid Boxes Reach Puncak Borneo's Needy

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Willie Kajan, Panduan Pelancong dari Long Terawan, Mulu – Pelancongan yang Didorong Komuniti: Willie Kajan Memperjuangkan Manfaat Tempatan di Sarawak
— Apai Mei dari Sg Tangap Niah – Konektiviti dan Keselesaan: Menangani Keperluan Gua Niah
— Diog Dios, Ketua Cabang PKR Puncak Borneo – Bantuan Tangan: Kotak MADANI Sampai kepada Mereka yang Memerlukan di Puncak Borneo

• Read More

  Special Randau

                  1. Don't embarrass Sarawak, immediately upgrade the facilities at the Niah Cave Unesco World Archaeological Heritage Site. The news of Niah Cave being recognized as a new World Heritage Site by Unesco is very exciting. But a lot of work needs to be done such as upgrading hotels, toilets, roads and eating places. If tourists from all over the world come and see dirty toilets and hotels. That is a shame, said Willie Kajan.

                  2. The condition of roads in rural areas is very bad, said Mulu-Datu Gerawat Gala assemblyman. Gerawat claims more than 1000km of roads in the Baram area are in bad condition and need immediate repair. More than a million Sarawakians live in 6000 settlements outside the city. So the allocation to provide facilities for rural residents is very urgent - Gerawat Gala said. Therefore, because of that we often say that Sarawak is not a developed state. Infra facilities are still far behind and there are still many poor people in the countryside.

                  3. “PH does not have a presence in Sarawak” The Premier of Sarawak's harsh remarks on the 'Keluar Sekejam' podcast have been the talk of the week. Leaders from DAP and PKR Sarawak have labeled these comments as the arrogance of Premier Abang Jo. However, It underscores the need to confront and overcome GPS's dominance in the upcoming 2026 state elections.

  ----------------------------

  Willie Kajan, Tour Guide from Long Terawan, Mulu

  Community-Driven Tourism: Willie Kajan Advocates for Local Benefits in Sarawak

  Willie Kajan is a tourist guide in two national park areas, Mulu National Park and Niah Cave National Park. Last weekend Unesco recognized the archaeological Heritage Site of Niah Cave as a new Unesco world heritage site. Making Sarawak have 2 unesco recognized world heritage sites. For Willie, this is a huge recognition and will bring new tourist attractions to Sarawak. However, according to Willie, the facilities to Niah Cave are so disappointing. The condition of the accommodation hotel, public facilities such as toilets and eating places is quite bad and needs to be upgraded immediately. Before the construction of Pan Borneo- the road to Niah Cave was so bad and narrow. Now it's quite good after Pan Borneo is ready. The situation at the Gunung Mulu World Heritage Site (2000) is quite satisfactory. Flights from Miri to Mulu every day. Traveling by river takes about 1 day while traveling by road takes 8 hours. Small craft businesses run by local people. However, I expect that local residents who are not working or involved in the tourism industry will be given some return in the form of royalties. Currently Mulu National Park is managed by SFC and Borsarmulu. Willie emphasized that taking care of the environment and maintaining the original and natural habitat in our forest is important for the long-term sustainability of the forest. Currently, hot temperatures are hitting almost all districts in Sarawak. I believe this is due to deforestation in Sarawak and also in other places in the world. Therefore, we in Baram have been campaigning "Zero Logging" for a long time to save the forest and save this most unique World Heritage Site. Both the Mount Mulu World Heritage Site and the Unesco World Archaeological Heritage Site Gua Niah are located within the Miri/Baram Area. I urge the Sarawak government to seriously stop logging. Stop the granting of oil palm plantation licenses and stop the dam construction plan.

  ----------------------------

  Apai Mei from Sg Tangap Niah

  Connectivity and Comfort: Addressing the Needs of Niah Cave

  Apai Mei lives in a longhouse that is only a 15-minute walk from Niah Cave, a World Heritage Site. The longhouse in Sg Tangap Niah also offers homestays for both local and international tourists. However, despite Niah Cave being a tourist attraction, the Sarawak or federal government has not done much to support or organize any events for tourists who visit and stay at the homestay before or after visiting Niah Cave. Only tourism agencies have significantly helped homestay operators generate income.

  Each year, more than a thousand tourists stay at the homestay, but this number is not encouraging due to the lack of solid support from the government.

  To reach Niah Cave, one can walk or take a land route through a plantation. Unfortunately, the road through the Cosa plantation is also in poor condition, especially during the rainy season. Why is the government not serious about building proper roads for tourists? There have been instances where tourists arrived by bus, but the bus could not enter due to the terrible road conditions.

  Besides the road issue, Apai Mei also told RFS that their longhouse has a poor internet connection. Internet access is crucial for tourists to communicate with the outside world about Niah Cave.

  ----------------------------

  Diog Dios, the head of the PKR Puncak Borneo branch

  Helping Hands: MADANI Aid Boxes Reach Puncak Borneo's Needy

  Diog Dios has successfully distributed MADANI Aid Boxes to the B40 group in the Puncak Borneo area. This initiative by PMX aims to assist the poor by alleviating their burdens through food aid.

  It cannot be denied that many people criticize the MADANI government due to the rising cost of living and the lack of reduction in fuel prices. However, members of the Puncak Borneo Justice Party have explained the country's burden of trillions of ringgit in debt due to the previous government's mismanagement and misuse of public funds. They emphasize that it will take time to restore the nation's economy and hope that the people will understand this situation.

  The distribution of MADANI Aid Boxes will continue, along with helping the B40 group apply for welfare assistance from Sarawak government agencies, as there are still many elderly people without jobs who do not receive subsistence aid from the Sarawak government.

---

On Today Show
— Tr. Panting ak Baling, Head of Sg Agricultural Heritage Village. patin, Similajau Bintulu – Villagers Detained by SFC for Harvesting in Contested National Park Area
— Dennis Along, Activist of Long Terawan, Mulu – Starting an inquiry into the claim without prior consultation is an unreasonable procedure!
— Michael Jok, Secretary-General of Scrips – Indigenous Communities Urged to Assert Adat Laws for Land Boundary Determination
— Bruce Yee, an independent observer of the re-delineation process – Re-delineation and Voter Relocation: Opposition Raises Alarm in Sarawak

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Tr. Panting ak Baling, Ketua Kampung Warisan Pertanian Sg. Patin, Similajau Bintulu – Penduduk Kampung Ditahan oleh SFC kerana Menuai di Kawasan Taman Negara yang Dipertikaikan
— Dennis Along, Aktivis Long Terawan, Mulu – Memulakan siasatan mengenai tuntutan tanpa rundingan awal adalah prosedur yang tidak munasabah!
— Michael Jok, Setiausaha Agung Scrips – Komuniti Orang Asli Digesa untuk Menegakkan Undang-Undang Adat dalam Penentuan Sempadan Tanah|
— Bruce Yee, pemerhati bebas proses penyeragaman semula – Penyeragaman Semula dan Penempatan Pengundi: Pembangkang Menyuarakan Keresahan di Sarawak

• Read More

  Special Randau            

  1. The expansion of Taman Negara is the reason for the administration of Sarawak Premier Johari Openg to drive the poor people away from the agricultural land, the source of their daily income. This is what happened in Similajau Bintulu. The SFC began to evict and prevent residents from entering their agricultural land areas. For Dennis Along - The expansion of national parks is a license for the government to seize the land of Tutoh-Apoh residents.

  2. Sarawak state election 2026- PKR will consider participating in the election to ensure Sarawak moves in the right direction. This is the brief response of the Sarawak PKR chairman when asked by the Borneo Post. Earlier today, several analysts gave their views on the need for PKR to avoid participating in state elections in order to maintain good relations with the unity government at the central level.

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  Tr. Panting ak Baling, Head of Sg Agricultural Heritage Village. patin, Similajau Bintulu.

  Villagers Detained by SFC for Harvesting in Contested National Park Area

  Panting gave an update on what happened last Friday night. While the residents are collecting agricultural produce in their gardens. 3 villagers of agricultural heritage were arrested by SFC authorities. They were detained for several hours at the SFC HQ in Similajau. Realizing that, all the villagers gathered along the road leading to the SFC HQ. By 4pm the three were released. The problem faced by the residents is that they are driven out and are not allowed to collect their agricultural produce which is included in the Similajau National Park area (addition). During the administration of Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem. Adenan visited the village and gave permission for the villagers to cultivate agriculture and Adenan also ordered the Land and Survey department to measure and issue a map of the agricultural lot for the residents involved. Unfortunately before the process is complete. Adenan Satem united the world. The Johari Openg administration has canceled the grant of the agricultural lot and approved the addition/expansion of the Similajau National Park to include the Sungai Patin Agricultural Heritage village. According to Village Chief Panting ak Baling. Even if the National Park is expanded. Our crops and gardens should be compensated. We should be given time and should still be given the opportunity to harvest our agricultural produce because that is the source of our income. We have all the evidence of dialogue and photos and documents with Adenan and all the departments involved during the agricultural lot approval process for us. The SFC challenged us to take the case to court. But we are aware that we will lose in court. Because they control all the information and we have no money to take our case to court. We appeal to YB Datuk Majang Renggie - Samalaju area assemblyman. YB did not want to interfere and even asked us not to fight the SFC. In these few days we have not entered the forbidden area. The situation is very tense now. We will set up a blockade in the near future. After getting the consent of all the villagers.

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  Dennis Along, Activist of Long Terawan, Mulu

  Starting an inquiry into the claim without prior consultation is an unreasonable procedure!

  At the end of last year, the GPS Sarawak government announced that it was targeting to gazette a land area of one million hectares (ha) as Totally Protected Areas (TPA) by 2025. Through the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), the government has designated another five land areas to be gazetted as TPA. They are Tutoh-Apoh National Park; Bukit Lima Nature Reserve (Extension 1); Kubah National Park (Extension 1); Mature Nature Reserve; and Bako Buntal Bay National Park. All of these areas are already at the initial gazetting stage and are expected to contribute to the increase in land area that will be gazetted as TPA.

  Among the communities affected by the Tutoh-Apoh National Park plan, opposition was raised earlier this year. They stated that Tutoh-Apoh National Park is a way of confiscating their land. The SFC will also introduce/enforce the TPA - Total Protection Area law, which will drive the indigenous people out of the area.

  Today, the SFC held a "sesi inquiry into claim untuk Kawasan Cadangan taman negara tutoh-apoh di mulu" in Miri, where Denis Along appeared to voice his opposition. He stated that the SFC’s actions have confused the villagers, leading many to sign the claim under the mistaken belief that they would receive direct compensation, but if they cannot prove land ownership later, it will be too late. He cannot understand why the SFC started an inquiry into the claim without prior consultation.

  He said that over 100 people have already signed the claim, and after talking to them, he found that they did not understand the situation. This is very dangerous, as signing the claim is equivalent to agreeing to the plan. Dennis believes that the 520,000-hectare Mulu National Park is already enough for the government to manage and develop, and there is no need to target other lands. He said that once the land is designated as a national park, agricultural activities, taking forest products, and hunting are prohibited. "We should be the ones appointed to look after the forest in Mulu because we Orang Asal are the most skilled forest keepers."

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  Michael Jok, Secretary-General of Scrips

  Indigenous Communities Urged to Assert Adat Laws for Land Boundary Determination

  The indigenous people of Sarawak have the legal authority under native customary laws to determine the boundaries of their land. However, many remain unaware of this crucial right, according to the Society for Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Sarawak (Scrips).

  Scrips has initiated a statewide campaign to educate the public about these laws, known as "adat." Michael Jok, Secretary-General of Scrips, emphasized that adat laws on land boundaries are applied based on communal evidence such as: Ancestral graves, Crops and trees, Natural borders such as rivers and streams and Physical evidence of dwellings.

  Jok highlighted the importance of natives exercising their rights to self-determination of their ancestral land boundaries. "If they do not exercise their rights, impose their influence, and cooperate with each other in determining their land boundaries, they will end up being victimized by those seeking to grab their native land for development," he warned

  The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the numerous disputes between natives and powerful entities such as land developers, logging companies, and plantation companies in Sarawak. Jok pointed out that these conflicts often arise because native communities are not fully exercising their adat rights.

  He said that, it is crucial for native communities to be aware of and exercise their adat rights to protect their ancestral lands. By doing so, they can prevent exploitation and secure their heritage for future generations

  This call to action by Scrips aims to safeguard the rights and lands of Sarawak's indigenous people, ensuring that they are not left vulnerable to external pressures and land grabs.

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  Bruce Yee, an independent observer of the re-delineation process

  Re-delineation and Voter Relocation: Opposition Raises Alarm in Sarawak

  Bruce Yee emphasizes that all activists, NGOs, and opposition political parties in Sarawak should focus on the imbalance in the results of the last Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) elections. The previous results were seen as unreasonable, lacking in-depth research. The Sarawak State Election (PRN) will take place soon, and we, as the opposition, must be cautious of upcoming fraud.

  The Election Commission (SPR) needs to re-delineate electoral constituencies (DUN/PARLIAMENT) because over the past eight years, there have been increases or decreases in the number of voters in certain areas. Therefore, the work of redrawing constituency boundaries is done periodically when eight years have passed.

  One important constitutional principle, stated in the thirteenth schedule 2(c), is that each DUN/PARLIAMENT constituency must have approximately the same number of voters. However, exceptions are allowed for large, rural areas to have a lower number of voters compared to urban areas.

  The re-delineation in 2015, which is suspected to have political motives and to favor certain parties, could result in political party victories in specific constituencies. According to the comparative chart of the number of DUN voters after the 2015 re-delineation, the extraordinary increase or decrease in the number of voters in several selected DUN constituencies in Sarawak has successfully changed the political landscape in those areas. For example:

  1. Senadin: From 22,432 (2011) jumped to 27,874 (2016).

  2. Batu Kawah: From 20,664 (2011) decreased to 16,991 (2016).

  3. Dudong: From 26,251 (2011) jumped to 29,028 (2016).

  The campaign of large-scale and illegal voter relocation can also result in an extraordinary and suspicious increase in the number of voters in a particular electoral area, thus increasing the victory of certain parties during the new elections. In the attached bar chart, there are extraordinary jumps in the number of voters in several selected DUN constituencies.

  Furthermore, the implementation of the 18-year-old voter eligibility and automatic voter registration (PPSA) at the beginning of 2022 also contributed to the increase and jump in the number of voters in all selected DUN constituencies as shown in the chart, especially in 2022 compared to 2021.

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On Today Show
— Ben Lenjau- Resident of Uma Sambop Batu Pilau, Belaga – Illegal Logging in Belaga: Deputy Minister-Linked Companies Under Fire
— Joseph Jinggut from Baleh – From Logging Roads to Isolation: The Aftermath of Sg Antaroh Bridge Collapse
— Charles Santiago, former MP for Klang – Charles Santiago Pushes for Wealth Redistribution to Aid Low-Income Families

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Ben Lenjau- Penduduk Uma Sambop Batu Pilau, Belaga – Pembalakan Haram di Belaga: Syarikat Berkaitan Timbalan Menteri Dikritik Hebat
— Joseph Jinggut dari Baleh – Dari Jalan Balak ke Pengasingan: Kesan Runtuhan Jambatan Sg Antaroh
— Charles Santiago, bekas Ahli Parlimen Klang – Charles Santiago Mendesak Pengagihan Semula Kekayaan untuk Membantu Keluarga Berpendapatan Rendah

• Read More

  Special Randau            

  1. With so many cases of land encroachment, violation of human rights, illegal logging and illegal quarry mining, is this a sign that GPS is issuing as many licenses/permits to loggers in order to obtain financial rewards - funds for the 2026 elections?. For last week and this week alone we reported logging in Ba Data Bila ulu Baram by the Borneoland company, logging in Ulu Belaga by M.M Golden, eviction of residents in agricultural heritage villages by sfc, blockade residents in Kelawit tatau river and blockade residents in Merakai- Serian , against oil palm plantation company Trade Wind. Contact us to express your opinion.

  2. Police prohibit the public from joining the anti-Anwar rally at the Tambun parliament tomorrow, Perak Police reported that the rally did not comply with the conditions set under the peaceful assembly act 2012. An anti-Anwar and save Malaysia rally is planned in 3 places, namely in Tambun, Permatang Pauh and ends in Kuala Lumpur.

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  Ben Lenjau- Resident of Uma Sambop Batu Pilau, Belaga

  Illegal Logging in Belaga: Deputy Minister-Linked Companies Under Fire

  Last July 2023 rfs reported an incident of illegal logging in Uma Long Bangan Belaga. Two logging companies named M.M Golden and U.U Green are each linked to the deputy minister of natural resources, environment and climate change- Huang Tiong Sii. Residents of Long Bangan objected to the illegal logging and filed a police report. But the latest development is now that the same company (known as Babi company) by the locals has infiltrated Uma Sambop. Ben Lenjau said, these few days the residents of Uma Sambop tried to stop the logging that was done across the long house of Uma Sambop. Further intelligence shows that the company has logged in the most extensive part, namely in Penyuan - this is also the area of ​​Uma Sambop's land - according to Ben. Ben and the residents in the next few days will collect information and will make a report to the police and SPRM. For now we are not sure what to do. Because we still lack information and most of the people living in the village are the elderly - the young and educated are in the city to work. For the record M.M Golden is a logging company that was once chased away by Baram residents for trying to enter the Baram dam site to log. Now the same company is in the Belaga river. Is it because Sungai Belaga is proposed to be dammed by the Premier of Sarawak - Johari Openg.

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  Joseph Jinggut from Baleh

  From Logging Roads to Isolation: The Aftermath of Sg Antaroh Bridge Collapse

  The log bridge across Sungai Antaroh collapsed early yesterday, severing the main road link between Nanga Antaroh and Ulu Ga’at.

  Joseph Jinggut from Baleh explained that the bridge, originally constructed by Rimbunan Hijau for logging activities in the early 1970s, had fallen into disrepair after logging operations ceased. This bridge was the only main road for the community in Ulu Sg Antaroh, apart from using the river route. "This is the treatment logging companies provide: once the timber is gone, the roads or bridges are not maintained anymore," Joseph remarked. He hopes that the government will act quickly to facilitate the people who rely on this crucial route.

  The bridge had undergone repair works in 2022, despite the logging industry being considered a sunset industry with production significantly reduced. Today, the bridge is still used by some companies and is vital for the communities in Nanga Antaroh and Ulu Ga’at. It serves the pupils of SK Nanga Antaroh and SK Nanga Balang, as well as the longhouse villagers of Rumah Jugah, Rumah Belikau, Rumah Johny, and those in the Stapang area.

  Mr. Joseph also touched on the ongoing construction of the Baleh Dam. He believes that the people of Baleh will suffer losses similar to those experienced by the Orang Ulu in Sg ASAP, who were relocated from their original land. He explained that the community accepted the dam project because of the promise of roads. However, now that the road is there, their lives remain the same or even harder, with the loss of forest and river resources compared to before the Baleh Dam was built.

  The collapsed bridge has highlighted the community's vulnerability and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure development in the area.

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  Charles Santiago, former MP for Klang

  Charles Santiago Pushes for Wealth Redistribution to Aid Low-Income Families

  Charles Santiago has urged the government to tackle the rising cost of living and low wages with "bold political determination." He proposed a 2.5% wealth tax on the 50 wealthiest individuals in Malaysia, potentially generating RM10 billion to fund social protection and welfare programs.

  Santiago highlighted the plight of B40 families and the growing economic gap. Reports from Unicef show worsening poverty among low-income families, with many struggling to afford necessities.

  To combat malnutrition among children, Santiago suggested reviving free meal programs for school students, in collaboration with GLCs and local entrepreneurs. He also proposed providing solar panels to low-income and rural communities to reduce energy poverty and support renewable energy transition.

  Santiago raised concerns about the lack of savings in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), calling it a "worsening crisis," especially for the elderly. Emphasizing the need for inclusive policies, Santiago noted that the progressive wage policy should also cover the three million informal and gig workers to lift them out of poverty and ensure financial stability.

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On Today Show
— Nick Kelesau, spokesman for the Penan Keruan Organization – Tensions Rise Between Penan Leaders Supporting Logging and Penan Communities Opposing It
— John Bara from Uma Akeh Baram – Uma Akeh Villagers Take Legal Action Over Unpaid Land Lease Funds

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Nick Kelesau, jurucakap untuk Organisasi Penan Keruan – Ketegangan Meningkat Antara Pemimpin Penan yang Menyokong Pembalakan dan Komuniti Penan yang Menentangnya
— John Bara dari Uma Akeh Baram – Penduduk Uma Akeh Mengambil Tindakan Undang-Undang Mengenai Dana Sewa Tanah yang Belum Dibayar

• Read More

  Special Randau

                  1. GPS gives responsibility to logging companies to implement projects to advance the Penan people. Borneoland Timber Resources Logging Company sdn.bhd was asked to build roads and houses for 4 Penan communities in Ulu Baram and in return this company was allowed to log.

                  2. Forest therapy is internationally recognized for its mental and physical health benefits. Dr kareen Rajoo from Malaysia initiated scientific research on forest therapy, making Malaysia one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to conduct such research. In 2022, the global tourism industry is estimated to be worth 172.4 billion dollars. Why is Sarawak still interested in destroying the forest? Why not take advantage of the existing forest, in this context the Penan people are the most experts.

                  3. Water quality and modeling expert - prof Zaki Zainudin said, don't let sources at risk of pollution operate upstream. Referring to the recent disruption of water supply in Selangor contributed by pollution from factories processing acrylic materials. If seen in the state of Sarawak. It is very foolish to build mega hydro dams that will surely pollute the environment in the long run.

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  Nick Kelesau, spokesman for the Penan Keruan Organization

  Tensions Rise Between Penan Leaders Supporting Logging and Penan Communities Opposing It

  Nick reported that the logging company appointed by GPS/Borneoland Timber resources sdn.bhd-has started a smear campaign against NGOs that oppose logging in the Taman Damai Baram-UBFA area. According to Nick, lately many meetings have been arranged by the company involved with the Penan people and with YB of the Baram and Dun Mulu areas. The Penan people who are affected by the anti-BMF campaign, SAVE RIVERS AND THE Penan Keruan Organization forbid these NGOs to speak or give their views. They erected a banner that said bmf and supporters were not allowed to interfere with the ongoing project in the Ba Data Bila area. BMF and their supporters have no rights in the Ba Data Bila area and we Ba Data Bila residents fully support the efforts of the Premier of Sarawak and the Balak company to make projects in our area. The intended project is to build a road from Ba Data Bila to Long Lelang and all over the land and build houses for four penan communities in Ba Data Bila, Ba Mubui, Ba Sebatou and Ba Pengaran Kelian. Nick insisted that Penan did not prevent development but the way the mentioned projects were done was wrong. Just by building roads, our logs are cut down greedily. The logging company wants to build a road to Long Lelang while cutting logs in the area it passes through. All this is not allowed in the original plan of UBFA. Even the original UBFA plan also included the development of infrastructure for the penan community. With transparent funds from the Japanese and Korean governments as well as donations from NGOs such as BMF. Why do penan groups led by Pemanca Uning Bong and Penghulu Daud anger the BMF and other parties over penan poverty. These two Penan leaders should have angered GPS because the Penan people's forest has been looted but they have still failed to build a basic infrastructure for the Penan people.

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  John Bara from Uma Akeh Baram

  Uma Akeh Villagers Take Legal Action Over Unpaid Land Lease Funds

  John Bara reported the postponement of the case against KK Anthony Ngau of Uma Akeh. According to John, KK Anthony Ngau promised to give the land rental proceeds to Lian Api, Michael Api, and Laeng Api. These promises were made last September and November but have yet to be fulfilled. KK Anthony Ngau claims the money is still in the bank, repeating the same excuse for nearly a year. Feeling deceived, the three have taken KK Anthony Ngau to the magistrate's court, but a new date has been set. Allegedly, the land rental money was deposited into the AJKKK account. Holly Enterprise rented the villagers' land for palm oil cultivation and made payments, but KK Anthony Ngau has been untrustworthy in his duties.

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On Today Show
— Tr. Panting ak Baling, Head of Sg Agricultural Heritage Village. Batin Similajau – Bintulu – From Detention to Defiance: The Villagers' Struggle for Their Farm Land
— Nicholas Mujah, the general secretary of SADIA – Land Encroachment and Rights Violations in Sarawak
— Professor Dr. Madeline Berma, Dayak Sarawakian economist – Economic Gains, Living Pain
— Paul Wan from Long Lama – Cronies Prosper, People Lag: The Dual Reality of Development in Sarawak

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Tr. Panting ak Baling, Ketua Kampung Warisan Pertanian Sg. Batin Similajau – Bintulu – Dari Penahanan ke Pembangkangan: Pertarungan Penduduk Kampung untuk Tanah Pertanian Mereka
— Nicholas Mujah, Setiausaha Agung SADIA – Pencerobohan Tanah dan Pelanggaran Hak di Sarawak
— Profesor Dr. Madeline Berma, Ekonom Dayak Sarawak – Kelebihan Ekonomi, Kesakitan Hidup
— Paul Wan dari Long Lama – Kroni Makmur, Rakyat Ketinggalan: Realiti Dua Dimensi Pembangunan di Sarawak

• Read More

  Special Randau
                  1. People were driven from their own garden land solely for the expansion of Similajau National Park in Bintulu.  What are the rights of the people in a free country? People have basic rights, people should be given space to develop themselves and be treated fairly by the law. Special rfs interview with the head of the Batin river agricultural heritage village, Bintulu.

                  2. The legal body brought the DNAA case of deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to the Court of Appeal. Last year the high court acquitted Zahid with the DNAA decision in the Akalbudi Foundation corruption case and on June 27 the high court rejected a judicial review related to the case and now the Malaysian Bar Association appealed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the Attorney General's decision to retract the corruption involving Zahid Hamidi.

                  3. The DOJ reached an agreement with Jasmine Loo to get back Picasso paintings and financial accounts in Switzerland linked to funds allegedly embezzled from 1MDB.

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  Tr. Panting ak Baling, Head of Sg Agricultural Heritage Village. Batin Similajau - Bintulu.

  From Detention to Defiance: The Villagers' Struggle for Their Farm Land

  Panting informed that Jalani and his wife were detained by SFC enforcement officers for entering their garden to collect palm oil and coffee beans. While they were working, they were surprised when SFC enforcers arrested them and took them to the SFC HQ. The villagers gathered in large numbers to exert pressure so that the SFC enforcers would release Jalani and his wife. Their efforts were successful, and Jalani and his wife were later released. However, when they brought Jalani to make a police report about the incident, he looked scared and did not dare to speak. Efforts to make a report failed because he was scared and seemed to lose his memory. Therefore, Tr. Panting, as the head of the village, made a police report and informed that the villagers would enter their farm land to collect agricultural produce, such as harvesting palm oil and coffee.

  Additionally, the villagers have been banned from entering their farms since April 2024, and now they have no other way to obtain economic resources or buy food for the children at home. During the interview with the head of Panting village, an SFC patrol car with seven members arrived and warned the villagers to stop working. However, the residents ignored the warning and continued to work. The SFC cut down some oil palm trees to prevent residents from taking out their agricultural produce, but the residents still managed to bring their agricultural produce out using several other roads. The villagers are unsure of what actions the SFC will take next.

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  Nicholas Mujah, the general secretary of SADIA

  Land Encroachment and Rights Violations in Sarawak

  Nicholas Mujahh reported that SADIA has been quite busy lately with many cases involving rights violations, land encroachment, and logging in several parts of Sarawak. However, in an interview with RFS today, Mujah described the case of the arrest of Jalani and his wife by the SFC that happened yesterday. Jalani and his wife are accused of encroaching on the national park area of Bintulu. Jalani and his wife are residents of the agricultural heritage village of Batin Samalaju River. They have worked together with more than 100 other families on palm oil and coffee plantations near Samalaju National Park. During the administration of Chief Minister Adenan Satem, the village community officially applied for the zoning of the village area and the plantation area they have worked on. In principle, Adenan agreed and ordered the land office to measure and issue maps and land titles to residents. Correspondence related to the application is kept by the village head, Tr. Panting and Baling.

  However, since a year ago, the SFC has issued an order for residents to vacate the village and farm area because the area is included in the Samalaju National Park expansion. Residents feel sad and cheated, questioning why Adenan allowed it but during the administration of Prime Minister Johari Openg, the permission was withdrawn. According to Mujah, the implementation of government plans, such as the expansion of national parks, should also take into account human rights and the agreement that was made with Chief Minister Adenan Satem. The SFC cannot arbitrarily violate and evict villagers who have engaged in agriculture that provides them with income to support their families. Jalani and his wife were arrested and taken to the SFC HQ in Similajau. Aware of the incident, the villagers gathered en masse in front of the SFC office and pressured the authorities to release Jalani and his wife. By 5 pm, Jalani and his wife were released, and a police report was made regarding the incident.

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  Professor Dr. Madeline Berma, Dayak Sarawakian economist

  Economic Gains, Living Pain

  Malaysia’s economy is heading in the right direction, but this will not alleviate the high cost of living, economists said. The Statistics Department reported that Malaysia’s GDP is expected to expand by 5.8% in the second quarter of 2024, which economists view as a positive sign for the economy.

  Datuk Madeline Burma commented that the cost of living issue is very stressful because it is a very real concern. Some people say it is a political game. Datuk Madeline Burma, an economist who frequently conducts research, explained that there are two kinds of economy: macroeconomy and microeconomy.

  Macro is about the world or a country like Malaysia, and it involves large indicators such as GDP and production index. Microeconomy pertains to individual actions, such as small-scale shopping.

  She stated that while indicators like GDP are good economic values and show that we are monitoring economic growth, they do not necessarily reflect the real situation of individual costs. The ministers are eager to present macroeconomic data, showing that our economy is growing. Premier Snang Jo proudly announces our growing economy, which is true. However, despite our economic growth, the people suffer the most because the cost of living remains consistently high. This is because economic growth is not equivalent to a reduction in living costs.

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  Paul Wan from Long Lama

  Cronies Prosper, People Lag: The Dual Reality of Development in Sarawak

  Paul Wan from Long Lama is the grandson of one of the co-founders of PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu), Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau.

  However, since BN (Barisan Nasional) took over PBB before it was renamed GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak), the name PBB has been tarnished by the Chief Minister of Sarawak, from Taib Mahmud to the current leadership. Dato Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau was also one of the signatories of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) when it was signed in 1963.

  However, MA63 was not upheld by PBB GPS for 60 years until PMX DSAI (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) became the Prime Minister, and MA63 has been progressively revived.

  In conclusion, while the cronies have been developed, the overall rakyat (people) still lag behind in terms of development.

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On Today Show
— Ujan ak Lalong, resident of Rumah Rima Sungai Kelawit ,Tatau- Bintulu – Expired License Ignored: Tatau Longhouses Unite Against Illegal Quarry and Logging Activities
— Mr. Elias from Marudi – Critics Question Sarawak's High-Income Status Amid Persistent Poverty
— Thomas Fann, Chairman of Engage – Activists and Politicians Demand Moratorium on Sedition Act

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Ujan ak Lalong, penduduk Rumah Rima Sungai Kelawit, Tatau-Bintulu – Lesen Tamat Tempoh Diabaikan: Rumah Panjang Tatau Bersatu Menentang Aktiviti Kuari dan Pembalakan Haram
— Encik Elias dari Marudi – Pengkritik Mempertikaikan Status Berpendapatan Tinggi Sarawak Di Tengah Kemiskinan yang Berterusan
— Thomas Fann, Pengerusi Engage – Aktivis dan Ahli Politik Menuntut Moratorium Akta Hasutan

• Read More

  Special Randau
                  1. For ten days residents of the Kelawit Tatau river, Bintulu staged a blockade to prevent the Stone Head quarry company, a subsidiary of TAAN, from continuing stone mining. The company's stone quarry permit has expired and they are doing illegal mining and quarrying. But until today no party has acted on them.

                  2. Media reports - Najib Razak's son met with the opposition to topple the Pahang state government. In the last election, Umno won 17 seats, PN-17 seats and PH- 8 seats. With the support of PH umno formed the Pahang state government. Mohammad Nizar Najib quickly denied the report and claimed it was slander.

                  3. The US court ordered Jho Low to forfeit the rm5.5 million diamond and a rm2.9 million pair of earrings bought for his mother using 1mdb money that was embezzled.

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  Ujan ak Lalong, resident of Rumah Rima Sungai Kelawit ,Tatau- Bintulu

  Expired License Ignored: Tatau Longhouses Unite Against Illegal Quarry and Logging Activities

  Ujan reports that it has been 10 days since the residents of 10 longhouses along the Kelawit river staged a blockade to prevent the Stone Head quarry company - a subsidiary of TAAN from continuing to break and unload stones in their land area. The license/permit to mine stone issued by the government to this company has expired. However, the company is still working on processing and breaking the quarry stone. So we stopped them from continuing the work of Ujan ak Lalong. Not even our problem with the quarry company is over- a logging company is entering our ncr land. The company Capter Group belongs to billionaire Datuk Hee. We are asking our leaders in these 10 longhouses together to solve the problem of our encroached land. But they refuse, maybe they have received remuneration from logging or quarry companies. They should stop or at least demand compensation for us poor longhouse residents. But they don't want to speak on our behalf. For now we blockade and report this case to Penghulu. The headman informed us that he would call all 10 village leaders and ask them why they did not help solve the problems faced by the villagers.

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  Mr. Elias from Marud

  Critics Question Sarawak's High-Income Status Amid Persistent Poverty

  Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the World Bank has recognized Sarawak as a high-income region in 2023. The state's gross national income (GNI) increased to US$17,000 from US$15,000 the previous year.

  Elias commented on Sarawak's status as a high-income state, confirming that the World Bank's report is accurate. However, he pointed out that the state's wealth is not reaching those in extreme poverty. Many people still do not have high incomes.

  One reason is the lack of proper roads, which prevents residents from bringing forest products to town to generate income. Additionally, job opportunities are dominated by foreign workers who are willing to accept low wages.

  Therefore, it is requested that the Sarawak government take the initiative to help the people so that the level of poverty can be eradicated.

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  Thomas Fann, Chairman of Engage
  *Activists and Politicians Demand Moratorium on Sedition Act*
  Pasir Gudang MP, Hassan Karim, has urged the Anwar Ibrahim-led government to reimpose the moratorium on the Sedition Act 1948, as was done under the PH 1.0 administration. The veteran PKR leader noted that despite many weaknesses during PH's first term, the moratorium on the Sedition Act was successfully implemented until the PH government fell in February 2022.

  Thomas fully agrees with the proposal raised by Pasir Gudang MP, YB Hassan Karim, that the Madani government should implement a moratorium on the Sedition Act. PH had promised to abolish this act, but it has not been materialized, as the current PH government led by Anwar Ibrahim is still imposing the Sedition Act against those who voice their dissent. Activists and political members from both sides, such as Tony Pua, have been investigated under the Sedition Act. This is not healthy for a government that claims to champion reformation. There seems to be no initiative to abolish the Sedition Act.

  The Madani government, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Internal Affairs should instruct the police and other agencies to use other laws if they wish to conduct investigations.

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