Following efforts to stop logging in customary Penan areas, including a blockade that began in March, 47 Penan chiefs have signed a memorandum to be submitted to Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the State Minister in charge of Penan Affairs. The memo, which is the result of a five-day long meeting in the remote village of Long Sayan, also addresses healthcare, education and communal land rights.

Borneo’s indigenous people have erected new blockades against logging and sand mining activities on their native lands. Since March 27, 2002 many Sarawak indigenous groups, including the Penan, Kayan, and Kenyah, have erected barricades to prevent the movement of logging and mining vehicles. It is the first time that these indigenous communities have come together drawing national and worldwide attention to their plight.

The indigenous peoples on the island of Borneo are protesting against logging and sand mining activities on their native lands. Since March 27, 2002 many Sarawak indigenous communities, including the Penan, Kayan, and Kenyah, have put up blockades to stop the movement of logging and mining vehicles.