17 January 2024
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Randau Khas – Protet Menentang Cadangan Empangan Hidro di Sarawak
— Nick Kelesau, Jurucakap untuk Organisasi Penan Keruan – Protet Penan: Seruan Untuk Membatalkan Pembaharuan Lesen Pembalakan Samling
— Nicholas Mujah dari SADIA – Peranan Utama NGO dalam Hak Tanah Orang Asli Melalui Ukur Tanah yang Telus
— Anyi Lah dari Long Tebangan – Cabaran Rangkaian Dalaman yang Tidak Stabil: Peningkatan Infrastruktur Komunikasi
On Today Show
— Special Randau – Protests Emerge Against Hydro Dam Proposal in Sarawak
— Nick Kelesau, Spokesperson for the Penan Keruan Organization – Penan Protest: Calls to Revoke Samling's Logging License Renewal
— Nicholas Mujah of SADIA – NGOs' Key Role in Indigenous Land Rights through Transparent Land Surveys
— Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan – Challenges of Unstable Interior Networks: Urging Improvement in Communication Infrastructure
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*Special Hightlights*
1. Residents in two different locations protested against a false statement from the Premier of Sarawak stating that the residents of Belaga, Tutoh and Gat agreed to a hydro dam being built in their area. According to the Chairman of Save Rivers- residents launched a protest because the construction of the dam will destroy the environment and affect the lives of the community. While Willie Kajan who led the protest in Mulu National Park - said- If the Tutoh dam is built. It will affect the Mulu National Park which has been declared a world heritage site by Unesco. We disagree and it should be cancelled.
2. While Penan residents in 6 settlements wrote to the MTCC - protesting the logging license that was given back to Samling, even though it was canceled in July last year. We want the No Logging Zone to be declared first.
3. GPS government policy to develop green energy. Is it by building more dams or giving more logging licenses. Said green energy policy?. Is this right or will it destroy the environment. Contact us, we want your opinion. 013-5515219
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Nick Kelesau, Spokesperson for the Penan Keruan Organization
*Penan Protest: Calls to Revoke Samling's Logging License Renewal*
MTCC's action of approving logging licenses to Samling in the Penan area of Long Gita, Long Tevega, Ba Nyakit, Long Adang, Ba Beresek and Long Daun, this is very surprising. Although such a license was canceled last July 2023. My question to MTCC, has Samling met all the conditions required by the government?. Nick asked. The Penan people in the 6 areas involved in Ulu Limbang wrote a letter to MTCC asking that the logging license to Samling be canceled because Samling did not consult or dialogue with them. FPIC is not implemented. We ask SIRIM to withdraw the license that has been granted. Until now there is no dialogue with the local population in the area. According to Nick again, what Samling did was. After learning that their license was revoked in July 2023. They approached several Penan groups in the area and built houses for them and promised jobs and help. It is possible that the statement of agreement from this small group was reported to the MTCC to allow the license to Samling to be approved. Nick urged MTCC, SIRIM and other authorities, to go down to the ground and hear for themselves what happened. Disappointed with what happened, the Penan people in the 6 areas involved requested that the logging ban zone be declared first before a license is issued to Samling.
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Nicholas Mujah of SADIA
*NGOs' Key Role in Indigenous Land Rights through Transparent Land Surveys*
In a recent collaboration between SDNU and DBNA, a perimeter survey seminar unfolded as a crucial initiative to address land rights issues faced by Indigenous communities. The seminar, hosted by SDNU President, welcomed various Dayak-based NGOs to participate in the comprehensive survey, shedding light on the importance of securing Native Customary Rights (NCR) in the region.
For years, SADIA has been at the forefront of NCR surveys, utilizing GPS devices to map out territories, particularly for NCR court cases across Sarawak since 2000. The organization has consistently provided detailed maps to the government, aiding in the identification and protection of NCR lands.
Nicholas Mujah said that, the inclusion of NGOs in the survey aims to ensure the government's adherence to ethical practices and to prevent any controversial land acquisitions under Section 6. The current perimeter survey operates in compliance with Section 6, with subsequent production through Section 6(A) of the Sarawak Land Code, focusing on areas ranging from 500 to 1000 hectares.
However, concerns have been raised about potential violations of customary rights under the current survey system.
In contrast, the older survey method, employing Section 5, provided a clearer definition for surveying NCR lands of Indigenous Peoples. Titles were then produced under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.
As Sarawak navigates its path towards sustainable development, collaboration between academia, NGOs, and government bodies becomes increasingly vital. The perimeter survey seminar represents a step forward in safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous communities, fostering a harmonious balance between development and environmental preservation.
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Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan
*Challenges of Unstable Interior Networks: Urging Improvement in Communication Infrastructure*
CONNECTme NOW, a high-speed wireless satellite broadband service, has expanded its coverage to 2,000 locations across Sarawak, benefiting rural communities and serving around 200,000 Sarawakians, constituting about 10% of the state's population. With nearly 4,000 services nationwide, this initiative aligns with Sarawak's focus on enhancing connectivity as part of the state government's initiatives.
Despite this positive development, challenges persist in some rural areas, as highlighted by Mr. Anyi from Long Tebangan. He expressed dissatisfaction with the existing broadband coverage in his village, emphasizing the need for reliable internet access. Anyi's concerns shed light on the ongoing difficulties faced by residents, including limited mobile phone network coverage, especially in remote areas like Baram.
Anyi's experience underscores the importance of comprehensive connectivity, as he faces challenges in communication during his journeys. The lack of network coverage poses significant obstacles, particularly in emergencies when immediate assistance may be required.
Mr. Anyi's concerns reflect a broader need for continued efforts and investment in improving communication systems for the benefit of residents in remote areas.