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.
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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 Sarawak–Sabah Link Road
(SSLR) project and carbon trading initiatives on Indigenous
customary lands and the livelihoods of Indigenous
communities.
