Latest news with #RolandEngan
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Penan natives protesting forest logging arrested in Sarawak
MIRI: Anti-logging protests in the remote forests of Sarawak's Baram region escalated into physical confrontation when forestry enforcement teams swooped into human blockades set up by ethnic Penan natives defending their ancestral lands. Two individuals in the Long Tepen settlement were arrested and remanded for allegedly confronting the enforcement officers. The protesters, however, claimed that the forestry officials started the physical confrontations. Komeok Joe, head of Penan community association Keruan, described the arrests as an abuse of the people's human rights. 'The Penans in Long Tepen and elsewhere in the forests have been subjected to victimisation by timber giants whose logging has destroyed ancient native customary forests. 'We have lodged many police reports against the logging operators who trespassed into our forests and chopped down large areas of trees,' he told theSun today. 'Despite these police reports, logging has continued in Penan forests. That is why the Penan have resorted to human blockades.' Sarawak native land rights lawyer Roland Engan said the protests are taking place out of desperation. 'They are defending their forests using physical blockades as their appeals for help to the state authorities have been repeatedly ignored. 'The forestry enforcement people must not intimidate the natives who are merely defending their forests,' he said. Engan, who is also Sarawak PKR chairman, stressed that he is helping the Penan for their welfare and human rights, and not for political purposes. The anti-logging protests in Sarawak's interior have escalated over the past few months, especially in Baram and Marudi districts. Numerous human blockades have been set up in Telang Usan and Tutoh Apoh regions. The Penan are original inhabitants of Sarawak, with most still living in the forests. However, huge tracts in the northern interiors have been taken over by timber firms for logging.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Penan natives arrested protesting forest logging in Sarawak
MIRI: Anti-logging protests in the remote forests of Sarawak's Baram region escalated into physical confrontation when forestry enforcement teams swooped into human blockades set up by ethnic Penan natives defending their ancestral lands. Two individuals in the Long Tepen settlement were arrested and remanded for allegedly confronting the enforcement officers. The protesters, however, claimed that the forestry officials started the physical confrontations. Komeok Joe, head of Penan community association Keruan, described the arrests as an abuse of the people's human rights. 'The Penans in Long Tepen and elsewhere in the forests have been subjected to victimisation by timber giants whose logging has destroyed ancient native customary forests. 'We have lodged many police reports against the logging operators who trespassed into our forests and chopped down large areas of trees,' he told theSun today. 'Despite these police reports, logging has continued in Penan forests. That is why the Penan have resorted to human blockades.' Sarawak native land rights lawyer Roland Engan said the protests are taking place out of desperation. 'They are defending their forests using physical blockades as their appeals for help to the state authorities have been repeatedly ignored. 'The forestry enforcement people must not intimidate the natives who are merely defending their forests,' he said. Engan, who is also Sarawak PKR chairman, stressed that he is helping the Penan for their welfare and human rights, and not for political purposes. The anti-logging protests in Sarawak's interior have escalated over the past few months, especially in Baram and Marudi districts. Numerous human blockades have been set up in Telang Usan and Tutoh Apoh regions. The Penan are original inhabitants of Sarawak, with most still living in the forests. However, huge tracts in the northern interiors have been taken over by timber firms for logging. Two Penan protestors in handcuffs after being arrested during an anti-logging protest at Long Tepen forest in Baram.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
NGOs demand immediate release of Long Tepen protestors
Handout photo shows the two men currently under remand. MIRI (July 1): Sarawak non-governmental organisation (NGO) Keruan and Swiss NGO Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) are calling for the immediate release of two Penan protestors from Long Tepen. The men were remanded for four days on Sunday to assist with an investigation under Section 103 of the Forest Ordinance. In a joint statement, Keruan and BMF called on the government to support the immediate release of the two men and to take action to stop logging in the area. 'The rights of indigenous peoples to their land must be respected and protected,' said the statement. The NGOs called for assistance on the matter from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). According to the statement, one other man escaped with minor injuries and reported the incident to the police. Komeok Joe from Keruan said while the Penan community from Long Tepen has repeatedly filed police reports against the destruction of their forests by a company, their rights have been ignored and their defenders criminalised. 'Instead of addressing the community's legitimate concerns, authorities have chosen to target those who stand up for their land and culture,' he claimed. According to the NGOs, Long Tepen folk filed police reports in September 2024, March 2025, and June 2025 against the logging activities of a company on their ancestral lands and the dismantlement of their blockades. Yesterday, Roland Engan, the lawyer for the two men, called on all parties to remain calm to allow the investigation and any possible prosecution to proceed without interference. The Sarawak Forest Department said in a statement that the two men were also being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for making criminal threats. The department claimed the two men were among individuals who had set up a blockade in Telang Usan on June 28 and used violence against the department's enforcement personnel while they were carrying out their duties by abusing and injuring them. 'These individuals also issued threatening words against enforcement personnel during the incident,' said the department. The department added another suspect fled the scene and is still being pursued. Bruno Manser Fonds Keruan Komeok Joe lead Long Tepen
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
NGOs call for immediate release of Penan protestors detained over Long Tepen logging dispute
MIRI, July 1 — Sarawak non-governmental organisation (NGO) Keruan and Swiss NGO Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) are calling for the immediate release of two Penan protestors from Long Tepen. On Sunday, the men were remanded for four days to assist with an investigation under Section 103 of the Forest Ordinance. In a joint statement yesterday, Keruan and BMF called on the government to support the immediate release of the two men and to take action to stop logging in the area. 'The rights of indigenous peoples to their land must be respected and protected,' said the statement. The NGOs called for assistance on the matter from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). According to the statement, one other man escaped with minor injuries and reported the incident to the police. Komeok Joe from Keruan said while the Penan community from Long Tepen has repeatedly filed police reports against the destruction of their forests by a company, their rights have been ignored and their defenders criminalised. 'Instead of addressing the community's legitimate concerns, authorities have chosen to target those who stand up for their land and culture,' he claimed. According to the NGOs, Long Tepen folk filed police reports in September 2024, March 2025, and June 2025 against the logging activities of a company on their ancestral lands and the dismantlement of their blockades. Yesterday, Roland Engan, the lawyer for the two men, called on all parties to remain calm to allow the investigation and any possible prosecution to proceed without interference. The Sarawak Forest Department said in a statement that the two men were also being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for making criminal threats. The department claimed the two men were among individuals who had set up a blockade in Telang Usan on June 28 and used violence against the department's enforcement personnel while they were carrying out their duties by abusing and injuring them. 'These individuals also issued threatening words against enforcement personnel during the incident,' said the department. The department added another suspect fled the scene and is still being pursued. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PKR Sarawak extends condolences over passing of Sarawak Premier's wife
Roland Engan MIRI (June 23): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak extended its deepest condolences to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his family following the passing of his beloved wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang. In a statement today, PKR Sarawak chairman Roland Engan described the late Juma'ani as a devoted wife and loyal confidante who stood by the premier throughout his political journey. 'She was everything to him — a wife, friend and source of strength behind his leadership. Her quiet but firm presence over the years was admired by many,' he said. Roland said PKR leaders and supporters across the state join all Sarawakians in mourning her passing. 'We share the sorrow of the Premier and the people of Sarawak. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may the Premier and his family find strength in this difficult time,' he said. He said several party leaders who attended the State Gawai Dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Sunday night saw the premier leave the event abruptly due to what appeared to be an urgent matter. 'Only later did we learn of her passing — it was truly a heartbreaking moment for all of us,' he said. Juma'ani, 76, passed away at a private medical centre in Kuching at 3.34am today. She was the daughter of Sarawak's second Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman.
