29 October 2024

On Today Show
> Jacklyn Simo, Resident of Nyigol Village, Bengoh – Demanding Justice and Development: Bengoh Dam Relocated Villagers Stand Firm
> Mr Robert from Bintulu – Sustaining Nature, Respecting Rights: Indigenous Communities in Energy Policy
> Agnes Padan, activist from Lawas – Support the Call for Automatic Welfare Registration for Sarawak Seniors


Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Jacklyn Simo, Penduduk Kampung Nyigol, Bengoh – Menuntut Keadilan dan Pembangunan: Penduduk Pindahan Empangan Bengoh Tetap Teguh 
> Encik Robert dari Bintulu – Memelihara Alam, Menghormati Hak: Komuniti Orang Asli dalam Dasar Tenaga 
> Agnes Padan, aktivis dari Lawas – Menyokong Seruan untuk Pendaftaran Kebajikan Automatik bagi Warga Emas Sarawak

  • Special Randau
                    1. The Bengoh dam project has failed - no clean water has been supplied from the dam since it was completed in 2011. Villagers who refuse to move according to the government's instructions are discriminated against infrastructural facilities. We do not believe the government's plan to make Bengoh a hydro dam until there is a clear plan shown to us.

                    2. The fate of Najib Razak will be determined tomorrow - whether he will be acquitted or ordered to defend himself on four charges of using his position to obtain bribes amounting to rm2.3 billion of 1mdb funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount. If Najib is found guilty, he will face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of either 5 times the value involved or RM10,000 or whichever is higher.

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    Jacklyn Simo, Resident of Nyigol Village, Bengoh

    Demanding Justice and Development: Bengoh Dam Relocated Villagers Stand Firm

    Jacklyn is the daughter of anti-dam activist Simo Sekam's brother. Because RFS failed to contact Simo for several days. We asked the younger generation - Jacklyn - about the state government's proposal to use the Bengoh dam to be used as a hydro dam while also supplying clean water to the people of Kuching City. According to Jacklyn- they don't really believe the media statement by Sarawak Premier Johari Openg at the Borneo Water and Wastewater Exhibition on 23 Oct 2024. The Premier said he would use the Bengoh dam to generate electricity in addition to building 12 more cascading dams. We do not believe it will happen. because the government's plan to build the Bengoh dam to supply clean water also failed. There hasn't been any water pipe connection from the Bengoh dam since it was completed - thus making the sacrifices of our previous move in vain.  The Bengoh dam project with a cost of rm310 million was originally to supply clean water to the people of Kuching City. 4 villages were relocated namely Kampung Semban, Rejoi/ Nyigol, Pain Bojong and Taba Sait village. 3 villages agreed to be placed in the resettlement area built by the government, while Rejoi village chose to move to higher ground by itself. But according to Jacklyn, those of us who do not follow the government's wishes are severely discriminated against. No help and facilities were given to us. There are no roads, electricity or telephone facilities in our village Nyigol. If the government is serious about developing the population, it must get our approval first with a convincing development plan. But we will not compromise on our customary land rights.

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    Mr Robert from Bintulu
    *Sustaining Nature, Respecting Rights: Indigenous Communities in Energy Policy*
    Mr. Robert, a social activist from Bintulu, shared his views on the suggestion from the Dayak association SADIA branches that the government should include indigenous peoples in government policies related to energy transition.

    This is because Sarawak has various ethnic groups who understand how to preserve the environment rather than destroy it. Therefore, it is crucial to involve indigenous peoples in these policies to ensure they benefit from the energy transition. Indigenous rights should also be taken into account in advancing development alongside the government and citizens.

    The government should encourage indigenous peoples to participate in developing their lands according to UNDRIP principles, so that indigenous land ownership remains with them, without infringing upon their rights.

    Regarding environmental restoration, it is important not to overlook indigenous culture—preserving their traditions is essential. Environmental restoration should be a shared responsibility between the government and indigenous peoples for the sake of energy transition.

    Indigenous lands should also be granted titles, as to this day, many indigenous lands are often given out under Provisional Leases (PL) by the state government to companies authorized to seize indigenous rights.

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    Agnes Padan, activist from Lawas

    Support the Call for Automatic Welfare Registration for Sarawak Seniors

    A new proposal suggests that Sarawak should automatically register senior citizens for welfare benefits to make access easier for those with health issues or limited mobility.

    Currently, Sarawak offers programs like the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) and the e-Kasih scheme, which provide benefits to seniors, including the newly launched Senior Citizens Health Benefit. This program allows seniors cashless outpatient treatment at selected clinics, covering up to RM500 annually. However, many seniors still need help filling out application forms and often face long lines at registration booths.

    Agnes comment that, is good for eligible seniors be automatically registered using existing databases, such as those for KGC or e-Kasih recipients. This would make the process easier for seniors and reduce the workload on Welfare Department officers.

    The KGC also provides discounts on goods and services from partner vendors, along with RM1,800 in funeral assistance for cardholders. By streamlining the registration process, the proposal aims to make welfare benefits more accessible to seniors who need them most.


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