Timber giant Samling Global Ltd today said that they are "surprised" by new allegations that the firm is threatening to stop providing vital transport services to the Penans unless they drop their sexual abuse claims against the company’s personnel.

The company shot down the claims made by the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF) in a statement issued on Monday, saying that they have never supported any wrongdoing by their staff.

"... Our position towards the (sexual abuse) issue remains the same. The company does not condone any illegal and criminal activities, and any staff suspected of such misconduct would be handed over to the authorities," the company said.

ulu baram samling sarawak blockade 190608 02 Samling countered BMF’s claims by pointing out that it is merely taking steps to "further strengthen its internal processes by taking precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety and to prevent any misunderstanding when providing transportation assistance to forest communities".

Formal request needed

The company said that it had explained to the communities for Samling to continue providing transportation assistance, a more stringent policy is necessary to safeguard their interest and its own.

“Among others, this new policy requires villagers to make a formal request for transport services and that every passenger travelling in our vehicles be accompanied by family members.

NONE "Samling stands by its corporate social responsibility efforts and initiatives, and will continue to provide various forms of assistance to forest communities in the area of its operations,” they said.

The BMF had on Monday accused Samling of threatening to halt providing transport services for the Penan community over the latter’s claims of sexual abuse of Penan women and girls by the firm's workers.

Seven new claims of sexual exploitation by timber workers were highlighted by the Swiss-based organisation, that claimed that Penan headman Jawa Nyipa was asked by Samling officials to sign a statement - that the women in the region had retracted their allegations of sexual abuse by timber company staff - or lose the company’s transport services.

The Penan have claimed that a number of their women and girls were sexually abused by loggers who offered them transport in the remote Sarawak jungle.

Logging giant 'threatens' Penan with retaliation