BARAM: Advokasi Pribumi Sarawak (APS), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has spoken out against SAVE Rivers’ attack on Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
APS, which aims to promote sustainable forest management and protect the rights of indigenous communities in Sarawak, said the attack was uncalled for and may potentially jeopardise the standard of living of indigenous communities here.
The NGO made a statement today in response to an article on SAVE Rivers’ website that claimed widespread opposition to logging in the Ulu Baram area and questioned Dennis Ngau’s comments on the assistance provided by logging companies in building infrastructure and amenities.
Its executive director Nigel Raymond expressed concern about the comments which discredited the assemblyman.
Nigel, who has lived in the community his entire life, has observed significant progress and development over the years thanks to the logging industry, which has provided jobs and built critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and other amenities.
He said many of his neighbours, including himself, are fully supportive of the industry.
“The logging industry also provided free transport for children during our school breaks. Our standard of living has improved significantly, and I can assure you that a good number of my neighbours including myself are fully supportive of the industry,” he said.
He then questioned whether SAVE Rivers expected indigenous communities to return to a nomadic lifestyle or live hand-to-mouth by banning logging altogether.
Nigel argued that, as the largest state in Malaysia with a significant rural population, Sarawak must collaborate with both the government and private sectors to tap its abundant resources effectively.
“Both the public and private sectors must also work together to build and maintain key infrastructure and amenities for the large rural communities that cover a large area in our state.
“Expecting the state government to go at it alone, funding and overseeing all road works and development projects, is inefficient and may become a huge burden on public expenses.
“So why can’t the private sector, including logging companies, play a role in uplifting the lives of the locals and indigenous communities?” he asked.
While acknowledging the environmental impact of irresponsible logging and deforestation, Nigel pointed out that licensed logging operators are subject to stringent sustainable forest management guidelines and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“Licensed logging companies also have to carry out CSR initiatives to improve the lives of communities where they operate as part of their licensing and concession agreements. So why is SAVE Rivers so against their CSR efforts?” Nigel asked.
He expressed APS’ confidence that most members of the Baram area’s communities appreciate the contribution made by licensed logging companies.
Nigel agreed with Dennis that the blockade at Ba Abang village of Ulu Baram consisted of a small group of outsiders who had been used by certain quarters to cause political and socio-economic instability.
He appreciated environmental groups’ efforts to protect Sarawak’s natural forest and biodiversity but emphasised that unfounded accusations and misinformation could harm the livelihoods and standard of living of people within the community.
As such, Nigel stressed that the state government, civil society, and logging companies must work together to ensure the sustainable management of natural forests while stopping illegal logging perpetrated by unlicensed syndicates.
