BARAM: More than 100 representatives from 40 Penan communities have unanimously rejected a proposal to construct hydroelectric dams along the Tutoh River in Baram, describing the project as a serious threat to their customary lands, livelihoods, and the future of the Penan people.
The proposal involves the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Tutoh River, a river system that has sustained the Penan communities for generations. The river provides food resources, clean water, transportation routes, and access to customary forests that form the foundation of the Penan people’s livelihoods, culture, and identity.
In response, the affected communities have submitted a formal objection to the Premier of Sarawak and Sarawak Energy, calling for the proposed project to be cancelled. In the letter, they stated that the construction of the dams would threaten their Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands, destroy forests and river ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, undermine the livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, and potentially lead to the indirect displacement of Penan communities. The letter also emphasised that the affected communities have never given their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for the project.
“The Penan communities do not agree to this project being carried out in our territory. It will not improve our well-being; instead, it will destroy the forests and rivers that have sustained our people for generations. What will be left for our children?” said Komeok Joe, Director of the Penan organisation, Keruan.
Community representatives also stressed that they are not opposed to development. Rather, they believe that development must respect Indigenous rights and address the genuine needs of local communities. They urged the government to prioritise access to education, healthcare, basic infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods instead of pursuing large-scale hydroelectric projects whose primary purpose is to generate electricity for export.
The communities also reiterated concerns previously raised in a letter sent in April to the Premier of Sarawak and Sarawak Energy. The letter contained 15 questions regarding the proposed project and called for full transparency in its planning process. It further emphasised that the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) must be respected before any project affecting Indigenous lands proceeds. To date, the communities have yet to receive any response.
“We are simply asking that our rights, our lands, and our voices be respected. The affected Penan communities have not given their consent for this project to proceed,” Komeok Joe said in concluding his statement.
In addition to discussing the proposed hydroelectric dams, participants also voiced concerns over the impacts of the SarawakâSabah Link Road (SSLR) project and carbon trading initiatives on Indigenous customary lands and the livelihoods of Indigenous communities.
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