SFC denies inhumane eviction speculations amidst ops to combat encroachment in Similajau National Park

An integrated operation was carried out by SFC and other enforcement parties to combat encroachment activities in Similajau National Park, Bintulu on Sept 11, 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

BINTULU, Sept 13: Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has denied speculations that the government is acting inhumanely in evicting local folk amidst an integrated operation to address encroachment issues in Similajau National Park.

In a statement today, SFC said there are certain parties who, in order to get the local villagers’ support, accused the government of acting inhumanely in evicting the local folk.

Contrary to the accusation, SFC clarified, an integrated operation together with various government departments and agencies was carried out in the Similajau National Park Ext. 1 on Wednesday (Sept 11) following the long-going encroachment issue since 2004.

“Throughout the 20-year period, various efforts have been implemented by Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and SFC in dealing with and combating encroachment activities, but still failed to block and prevent the perpetrators led by individuals taking advantage of the opportunity.

“Encroachment activities include illegal logging, exploration for agricultural purposes, erecting illegal structures and settling in the Similajau National Park area by foreigners who become workers in oil palm plantations cultivated by illegal settlers on the land,” it said.

According to SFC, the eviction action was guided by existing jurisdiction through the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998.

“The integrated operation was carried out after obtaining an eviction warrant from the court to evict the trespassers who occupied the national park illegally in the location.

“The act of entering a National Park without the permission of the Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves is an offense in the ordinance,” it added.

Similajau National Park with an area of 7,064 hectares was gazetted in 1976 while Similajau National Park Ext. 1 was gazetted on Feb 17, 2000, which was originally located within the Similajau Forest Reserve which was gazetted on Dec 1, 1959.

The demarcation of Similajau National Park was implemented and certified by the Land and Survey Department in 2018. — DayakDaily