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Extracted
from Malaysiakini
Natives to chase after millions in
commission
Jun 17,
A committee
will be set up by the Lun Bawang community to pursue 30 percent commissions
allegedly promised by Miri-based conglomerate Samling Sdn Bhd in return for
logging rights.
The committee
was decided upon during a gathering of about 70 representatives of Lun Bawang
leaders in Lawas today.
A spokesperson for the new committee said that thus far, up to RM5 million in
commissions have been paid to certain individuals, but “not a single cent has
been received by the intended beneficiaries - the Lun Bawang community and the
Lun Bawang Association”.
The Samling’s logging licence covers a large area in Lawas, which includes Lun
Bawang areas, runs for a 60-year period.
Permit
refused
Several Lun Bawang elders when contacted, said that in 1987, Samling agreed to
pay between RM250,000 and RM260,000 every year before Christmas as commission
to the community as their proceeds from the timber extracted.
The committee has also appointed Meligan Sdn Bhd to distribute the funds
collected to the Lun Bawang community.
Today’s meeting was held at villager Ricky Yusuf’s house after the police had
refused to issue a permit for the meet at a hotel in the area.
The Lun Bawang’s are