Latest news with #SarawakPKR
The Sun
01-07-2025
- 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
01-07-2025
- 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.
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
US interference has only worsened Iran-Israel conflict, says Anwar
KUCHING: United States interference in the conflict between Israel and Iran has only worsened the crisis in the Middle East, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Commenting on the recent US military strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear sites, Anwar did not mince his words as he questioned the international community's inconsistency in responding to the conflict. "If we claim to be neutral, there should at least be a call to end all acts of violence. "But why is Israel allowed to act in such a manner while Iran is denied the right to respond?" he told reporters after attending a meeting with Sarawak PKR leadership here today. "Now Iran is under attack and has chosen to fight back. "Unfortunately, the involvement of external powers like the United States is only making matters worse," Anwar added. It was reported that US President Donald Trump had confirmed that the US military launched strikes on Sunday against three Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow uranium enrichment plant. Trump was quoted as saying that a full payload of bombs was dropped on the underground facility at Fordow. Anwar said the escalation of violence, including recent attacks and retaliations, would continue unless pressure is placed on Israel to cease its provocative and aggressive actions against other nations. "We have firmly stated that for peace to prevail, Israel must be pressured to stop its provocative and violent actions against others. "When you launch attacks and kill people, there will, of course, be retaliation from Iran." Anwar also expressed concern that the ongoing conflict could lead to the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which would pose a major threat to the global economy. "What matters most are human lives and justice. Malaysia will continue to speak out on this. "Our stance is that independent and sovereign nations must not be silenced when it comes to speaking out on human rights and justice."
