14 September 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Thomas Jalong, aktivis alam sekitar dari Baram – Jangan Membina Empangan Lagi di Sarawak
> Gereng Jadum, Penan dari kawasan Pemindahan Metalun, (Empangan Murum) - Pembinaan Empangan Murum Membuat Komuniti Penan Kesulitan dalam Pembangunan
> Zulhaidah Suboh, PKR Sibuti - Dilema Pertanian Sarawak: Penanaman Padi atau Empangan?
> Jeffrey Ngui, pengerusi Muda Sarawak - Usaha Bersama MUDA dan PSM: Mendesak Peletakan Jawatan Sementara Zahid Hamidi
On Today Show
> Thomas Jalong, environmental activist from Baram – Putting an End to Dam Construction in Sarawak
> Gereng Jadum, Penan from the Metalun Resettlement area, (Murum Dam) – Murum Dam Construction Leaves Penan Community Struggling for Development
> Zulhaidah Suboh, PKR of Sibuti – Sarawak's Agricultural Dilemma: Rice Cultivation or Mega Dams?
> Jeffrey Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak – MUDA and PSM's Joint Efforts: Urging Zahid Hamidi's Temporary Resignation
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Thomas Jalong, environmental activist from Baram
*Putting an End to Dam Construction in Sarawak*
Premier Abang Johari Openg has highlighted Sarawak's potential to generate 20,000 megawatts (MW) of hydropower through the construction of additional dams, facilitating electricity export. Currently, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) owns Bakum, Murum, and Batang Ai dams, with the Baleh dam under construction, set to produce 1,285 megawatts and be operational by 2027. SEB is already exporting electricity to West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and aims to export to Sabah by 2024.
In response, Thomas Jalong commented that whenever the Sarawak state government discusses power exports, the focus inevitably returns to large dams. Despite talks of alternative energy sources, the predominant recommendation remains centered on large dams.
Sarawak already possesses numerous large dams, including the forthcoming Baleh Dam. Despite this abundance, not all of Sarawak's regions have access to electricity, which is disheartening and concerning.
The dams proposed by GPS are primarily located in the interior river regions, where the local population relies on rivers and forests for their livelihoods. This is a matter that warrants our attention.
It is apparent that these proposed dams are primarily intended for electricity export to other countries rather than benefiting Sarawak's residents. This prioritizes economic interests over the well-being of the people.
Furthermore, this situation has garnered international attention due to the disruption and destruction of customary lands belonging to indigenous communities without their consent, causing severe environmental damage.
Thomas Jalong urges the public to remain informed about these issues and calls upon GPS to immediately cease the destruction of the interior forests and rivers, which are essential to the livelihoods of the interior communities. He implores them to halt further dam construction.
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Gereng Jadum, Penan from the Metalun Resettlement area, (Murum Dam)
*Murum Dam Construction Leaves Penan Community Struggling for Development*
Yesterday The Vipes newspaper reported that the Agong/Raja ordered that members of Parliament and Sarawak assemblymen do more for the poor in rural Sarawak. The King said this at a dinner party in Kuching after successfully completing the 2,145km Borneo tour. According to the King, he heard for himself and saw for himself that there are rural areas that still do not have clean water supply. King said- go visit the people and solve their problems. Gereng revealed that in the Metalun area, the Penan people still do not have tar roads, schools are still under construction, clinics are still not there and there is still no clean water supply. We have been looking forward to all these facilities for 60 years - but they have not yet arrived. While being interviewed by RFS several times the telephone line was disconnected. Gereng explained that Metalun had been cut off from the outside world for a week. No internet and telephone coverage. Residents use ConnecMe services. But the price is too expensive. RM12 for 1GB of data. Gereng hopes that his complaint will be heard by the Sarawak government and our problem will be resolved immediately. The celebration of Malaysia Day will be celebrated in Kuching on Saturday 16 September 2023. However, Gereng Jadum and his friends cannot go to Kuching because the distance is too far and there is no money.
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Zulhaidah Suboh, PKR of Sibuti
*Sarawak's Agricultural Dilemma: Rice Cultivation or Mega Dams?*
Zulhaidah stated that the decreasing rice cultivation in Sarawak is due to land being used for the agricultural sector. To address this issue of rice prices, it solely requires political will. This means that the Sarawak state government can revive the agricultural sector, but it appears that the government does not have plans for rice cultivation. The government leans towards building mega projects like dams for exporting electricity to neighboring countries, which is highly disappointing because essential needs are not prioritized
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Jeffrey Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak
*MUDA and PSM's Joint Efforts: Urging Zahid Hamidi's Temporary Resignation*
MUDA plans to join a rally with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to protest against the Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi's DNAA corruption charges. Additionally, MUDA, in collaboration with PSM, will submit a memorandum to the Attorney General's Chambers, urging Zahid to step down pending the disposal of the Yayasan Akalbudi case. According to Jeffrey, the memorandum submission has already been completed. This serves as the primary platform for people to voice their concerns in both parliament and on social media. MUDA has also announced its withdrawal of support from the unity government.
MUDA remains committed to being the voice of the people and plans to organize a series of protests. Sarawak MUDA has initiated a campaign on social media platforms such as TikTok. However, on September 16th, a special and historically significant day for the formation of Malaysia, MUDA Sarawak has not yet made a decision to participate in any protests. Nonetheless, MUDA is dedicated to joining any street protests organized by CSOs, NGOs, Sarawak activists, or the Sarawak chapter when they occur