Penan Sue Malaysian Authorities Over Logging, Plantations
Written by Yasmin
• Saturday, 12 December 2009
Five rainforest communities of Malaysia's Middle Baram region are suing the Sarawak state government and the Malaysian timber giant Samling for non-respect of their native customary rights. They are demanding land titles for an area of 80'000 hectares, the nullification of four timber and planted-forest licences, plus compensation for damages.
"Penan Peace Park" is aimed at protecting the last primeval rainforests of Sarawak´s Upper Baram region and is challenging the official logging plans – the Penan wish to develop tourism and to protect their native rights.