August 18, 2005
To:
Y.B. Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui,
Menteri Perusahaan Perladangan dan Komoditi Malaysia,
Kementerian Perusahaan Perladangan dan Komoditi,
Aras 6-13, Lot 2G4, Presint 2,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62654 Putrajaya.
(Fax: 03 8880 3482)
Dato’ Dr Freezaliah B. Che Yeom
Chairman,
19 F, Level 19, Menara PGRM
No. 8, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras
56100 KUALA LUMPUR
Manoel Sobral Filho
ITTO, 5th Floor
Pacifico-Yokohama, 1-1
Minaot-Mirai, Nishi-Ku
YOKOHAMA
220 JAPON
Executive Director
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Avendida Hidalgo 502
68000 OAXACA
MEXIQUE Y.B.
Datuk Minister,
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
RE: BANNER PROTEST AGAINST THE APPROVAL OF MTCC CERTIFICATE TO SAMLING PLAYWOOD (BARAMAS) SDN. BHD AND HAZE PROBLEM.
WE THE VARIOUS VILLAGE HEADS AND ALL OUR PEOPLE HERE ARE UNITE AND KEEP FIRM TO OUR VOICES AND DEMAND.
This is the result from the discussing at our meeting on in August 18th, 2005, to follow-up on our protest letter in January 25, 2005, all headmen of the Penan villages Long Kerong, Long Sait, Long Kepang, Long Benali, Long Sabai, Ba Pengaran , Long Ajeng, Long Lai and Long Lamai of Upper Baram, Long Sepatai, Ba Abang and other in lower Baram State of Sarawak.
The granted of the Certificate for Forest Management under the Malaysian Timber Certificate Council Scheme for Selaan-Linau Forest Management Unit, this project contradicts to our Native Customary Rights our culture and lifestyle. We, the Penan leaders on behalf of the mentioned communities unanimously reject the MTCC project. In this area.
We strongly reject any project that has something to do with
Samling Group of companies due to our very bad experiences over the Past 15 years with Samling and other timber companies.
It may have few people which we did not aware, from the Penan as a liaison committee to joint afford to the MTCC approval, but those people do not permanently stay at the village nor in the concerned area and we the headmen have no authorisation to those people to act on behalf of our villages. In case that Samling Timber has statement or report saying that we the headmen received the project or money from Samling , it is a lie.
We appeal to the MALAYSIAN, GERMAN Government and the ITTO Head Office to who ever involve with MTCC decision, here we the effected Penan strongly oppose to the decision and our demand is that to revoke and withdraw the Malaysian Timber Certificate Scheme for the Selaan-Linau Forest Management Unit, from all concerned Penan areas which was affected.
We also concern to the situation of HAZE now effected the country , We demand from the Malaysian Government to act Urgent and take responsibility to the situation. This is all cause from Logging activities and oil palm plantation. Stop Logging, Stop oil Palm from open burning. We want the healthy and clean air.
Sir your consideration to the above matter is greatly appreciated.
Thanking you sir in advance,
From all Penan Headmen and members
1. TK Bilong Oyau 2. TK Kelesau Naan
3. WTK Thomas Pelutan 4. TK Lajan Kade
5. TK Balare Jabu 6. TK Balang Toi
7. TK Jawa Nyipa 8. TK Ali Toi
9. TK Saund Bujang 10. TK Robert Batuh
11. Ex TK Ayie Pet 12. TK Pusa Luding
13. TK Panai Irang 14. TK Melai Nak
15. TK Raja Libak 16. WTK Aya Luding
17. WTK Tirong Lawing
TK Bilong Oyau,
Ketua Kampung Penan,
Long Sait, Selungo,
98050 Ulu Baram, Sarawak.
