BPP ignored natives’ blockade, start works

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TATAU, 10 January 2001 - Borneo Pulp & Paper (BPP) has broke through the blockades set up by the Ibans to resume its operations in the native customary lands of the Iban communities in Ulu Tatau, Bintulu Division, Sarawak, ignoring the blockades and customary fine impose by the communities to any trespassers into their customary land.

BPP took advantage of the situation when a small group of Ibans was manning the blockade as the majority was back at their respective longhouses for the Christmas and New Year. BPP with the assistance of the police threaten the Ibans and demolished part of the wooden barricades with its excavators and tractors.

On the 8^th January, BPP started work at the construction site, which is within the customary land of the communities. BPP ignored the blockades and the customary fines imposed by the communities on them. The community also reported that a helicopter was used to monitor the situation at the blockade site.

Since 15 November 2000, BPP was not able to carry out its operations due to strong protest by the Ibans in the area. - BRIMAS