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Extracted from Malaysiakini
Penans erect blockades in fight for rights
Vasugi Supramanian
The
Penans in Long Sebayang are
fighting for their rights by setting up more than ten blockades in order to
curb logging activities by the timber company, Lee Ling Timber Sdn Bhd.
"The
timber company has been stealing the only source of income for the Penans by taking away the timber collected, claiming it is
their property for the next 60 years," said Abun
Sui Anyit, coordinator for
the Sarawak Indigenous Lawyers Alliance.
He also noted that the Penans are being treated as
hostages in their own place, not having the right to create commercial
activities.
When contacted by Malaysiakini, Abun said the
blockades were set up after a letter and repeated oral communications with the
timber company and the authorities fell on deaf ears.
He also noted that a requested dialogue session with the company and the
authorities has yet to take place.
"The
community does not want to hear about money compensation from the companies or
the government, they just want to be independent from the 
government," he
added.
He said that the government should look into the matter immediately.
"Children are not sent
to the schools any longer, and the closest hospital is at least four hours
away," said Abun.
He also added that the timber company often refuses to give lifts to patients
in emergencies.
Abun also highlighted the need for food support from
non-governmental organisations and concerned
individuals.