Extracted from Malaysiakini

Ibans held for allegedly torching logs

Tony Thien

Oct 11, 05 12:21pm

Seven Ibans from Pantu, Sarawak, have been arrested after allegedly attempting to defend their native customary rights land from being logged, according to local non-government organisation (NGO) leader Anthony Belon.

They are being held at the Sri Aman central police station, about 180km from Kuching, the state capital. Police have confirmed the arrests.

Belon said the arrests took place at their homes in Kampung Bait Pantu Sri Aman two days ago.

It is learnt that they are being remanded for investigation linked to an incident where logs extracted by Tasini Project Management Consultant Sdn Bhd were set ablaze last Friday.

Rayang anak Ringkai, Layuh anak Julin, Nelson Lai anak Ringkai (all aged 50), Menjan anak Jantan (51), Jiri anak Unap, Kubih anak Kusek (30) and Machau anak Layus (52) will be taken to court on Oct 13.

Compensation refused 

The villagers claimed that the company had taken timber from their ‘communal forests’.

Earlier this year, they had refused compensation from the company as they feared it would further encourage illegal logging.

Lawyer for the seven, Dominique Ng, told malaysiakini today that he would attempt to secure their release as soon as possible.