Penan leaders in Selaan dismiss logging claims as ‘misleading’

MIRI (April 1): Community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) of the Penan community in Selaan have strongly rejected claims made by Ipa Ulai in a report titled ‘Sawa Ali Residents Demand Immediate Halt to Logging’ published on The Borneo Project (TBP) website on March 25.

Pemanca Hennesser Uning Bong said the allegations had caused concerns among community leaders as they were inaccurate and misrepresented both facts and identity.

He said Ipa is not the recognised headman of Sawa Ali and has never been appointed to represent the community in any capacity.

“He is originally from Long Muboi and only recently settled in Sawa Ali. The area is not an established village but a small settlement of several houses near a logging road, occupied intermittently by individuals from Ba Muboi and nearby areas,” he told a press conference held at a restaurant here on Tuesday.

“As such, any claims made do not reflect the position, views or interests of the wider Penan community in Selaan.”

Among those present at the press conference were Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, Penghulu Daud Suok, Ketua Kampung (KK) Tearie Abeng of Long Muboi, and KK Jautak Yau of Ba Sebatu.

Hennesser, speaking on behalf of KMKK Penan leaders, also said allegations involving a logging company, including claims of broken agreements, water disruptions and unpaid compensation, were inaccurate and misleading.

He said verification carried out prior to engagement with the non-governmental organisation (NGO) confirmed that the area still has access to clean, flowing water, a fact acknowledged by Ipa himself.

He added that the logging company had agreed not to operate in Block 25, where the Ba Muboi water catchment is located.

On claims of unpaid compensation, he said the matter had already been resolved between the company and the relevant communities.

He also clarified that an alleged meeting involving KMKK, company representatives and the Sarawak Forest Department did not discuss compensation issues as reported, but internal community matters that had since been settled amicably.

Hennesser stressed that all forestry operations are carried out in accordance with laws enforced by the Sarawak Forest Department and warned that contradictory claims risk undermining public confidence.

He added that issues involving land ownership, Native Customary Rights (NCR) and community forest claims must be determined through proper legal frameworks and official verification processes.

He also cautioned against the spread of unverified or one-sided information, saying it could create unnecessary tension and division within the community.

“The Penan leadership in Selaan remains united and calls on all parties to act responsibly, respect lawful processes and maintain harmony based on facts,” he said.