2 October 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Peter Kalang, Pengerusi Save Rivers - Lawan Pembinaan Empangan Baram: Cabaran Terhadap Cadangan Empangan Berperingkat Premier A. Johari
> Stephen dari Long Selungo Baram - Empangan Baram: Orang Baram Bantah Satu Kali Lagi
> Bob Manolan, Senator PKR Orang Asli - Ketidakseimbangan Penjagaan Kesihatan dalam Komuniti Orang Asli
> Juwin dari Opar - Orang Ulu Mengutarakan Kefrustrasian Terhadap Kenaikan Harga
On Today Show
> Peter Kalang, Chairman of Save Rivers – Baram's Opposition to Dam Construction: Challenging Premier A. Johari's Proposed Cascading Dam
> Stephen from Long Selungo Baram – Baram Dam: A Second Battle Against Unwanted so-called Development
> Bob Manolan, PKR Senator of Orang Asli – Healthcare Disparities in the Orang Asli communities
> Juwin from Opar – Orang Ulu Express Frustration Over Soaring Prices
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Special Randau
1. Resolve the issues of the Bakun and Murum populations before proposing to build a dam in Baram.
2. PKR's decision on whether to contest in the Jepak State Legislative Assembly by-election will be known a few days before the nomination day, said PKR Sarawak Youth Chief YB Chiew Vhoon Man.
3. PN's campaign speeches in the countryside are not receiving a warm response. BN is expected to win.
4. Haze affects peninsular Malaysia. 14 areas recorded unhealthy air quality.
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Peter Kalang, Chairman of Save Rivers
*Baram's Opposition to Dam Construction: Challenging Premier A. Johari's Proposed Cascading Dam*
In a speech during the inauguration of the Baram Regatta on the banks of Marudi. Sarawak Premier A. Johari stated that the Sarawak government is planning to build a hydro-electric dam in Baram. A lot of electricity can be sold to countries in the Asian region and at the same time can prevent the increase in the crocodile population. According to Premier A. Johari, the construction of many roads in Sarawak has caused not many people to use waterways. So the crocodile population increased.
According to Peter - A. Johari's statement that the crocodile population is increasing is not supported by any research. While the large amount of electricity does not help to improve the socioeconomics of the people who are victims of dams such as in Bakun and in Murum. Indeed, hydroelectricity will bring a lot of revenue for SEB, construction contractors and the state government. But the displaced people continue to be poor, and even the majority of the people in Bakun do not have electricity until today. Hydro dams have been proven to pollute the environment by logging, releasing methane gas and submerging large areas of land. Social and cultural impact, people are driven from their original residence. Premier A. Johari proposed cascading dam. According to Peter, whatever form the dam takes, it is still dangerous and pollutes the environment. We the people of Baram do not agree and we will oppose any effort to build a dam in Baram. We are now working to build a UBFA that gives great hope to the residents to care for and conserve the environment.
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Stephen from Long Selungo Baram
*Baram Dam: A Second Battle Against Unwanted so-called Development*
Stephen strongly opposes the Baram Dam project. He dismisses one of Abang Johari's reasons for building the dam, citing an alleged overpopulation of crocodiles, as sheer nonsense. Additionally, he finds the rationale of generating electricity to be unconvincing.
From the "No Dam, No Road" statement initiated by the late James Masing to Abang Johari's recent announcement of the Baram Dam project, the GPS government has never wavered in its pursuit of the dam's construction. The example of the Bakun Dam serves as a stark reminder to interior residents of the government's lack of credibility and broken promises. Similarly, the Murum Dam project has left those relocated without the promised better days, highlighting the difficulties they face.
Stephen emphasizes that he and many others have been opposing the dam from the very beginning and continue to do so. The people of Baram do not want the dam.
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Bob Manolan, PKR Senator of Orang Asli
*Healthcare Disparities in the Orang Asli communities*
In 2020, a tragic incident shook the community of Lahad Datu, as a 16-year-old Baja mother was found dead alongside her 5-month-old child shortly after being discharged from Lahad Datu Hospital. The heart-wrenching aspect of this story was that she was labeled an undocumented citizen, and the burden of her high hospital bill had ultimately proven insurmountable.
The incident raises questions about access to healthcare services, especially for marginalized communities like the Orang Asli.
Bob Manolan stated that, to date, there have been no such cases among the Orang Asli, even though many within this community remain undocumented. Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia still can access to free medical care.
In cases where undocumented Orang Asli do require hospital treatment, authorities follow a protocol. These cases are referred to JAKOA (Department of Orang Asli Development) for clarification and resolution, ensuring that the unique circumstances of the community are taken into account.
The tragic incident in Lahad Datu serves as a reminder of the healthcare disparities that persist in some parts of Malaysia, especially for undocumented individuals. Yet, it also highlights the resilience and cultural significance of the Orang Asli's traditional practices and their close connection to the natural world.
As efforts continue to bridge the healthcare gap and provide equitable access to medical services for all, it's important to consider the diverse needs and preferences of different communities, such as the Orang Asli, who have long thrived in harmony with the forest that sustains their way of life.
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Juwin from Opar
*Orang Ulu Express Frustration Over Soaring Prices*
The steep rise in prices has become a common concern among local residents, and the government claims that people eating out frequently is a leading cause of the rising cost of living.
Juwin said that, the government should provide more robust support for local agriculture to alleviate the burden on residents.
Furthermore, the government claims that people's dining-out habits are one of the leading factors contributing to the rising cost of living. However, Juwin counter that they rarely dine out, with most meals prepared at home, yet the upward trend in prices continues unabated. The government cannot place all the blame on people's dietary habits.
This issue has stirred discontent among rural residents who are calling on the government to take more assertive measures to control rising prices. They believe that the government should actively support agricultural development, lower the prices of locally grown produce, and provide greater financial assistance to residents to ease their cost of living.