Fifty NGOs have banded together in a show of solidarity with the Penan blockade against the Murum dam project, and to encourage Malaysians to lend their support as well.

At a press conference today, they launched a petition and donation drive to provide moral and practical support for the Penan communities affected by the project.

Some of the NGOs involved are Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, SAVE Sarawak’s Rivers Network, Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia and Sarawak Conservation Alliance for Natural Environment.

NONE Suaram director Kua Kia Soong (left) said the dam project violates the rights of indigenous peoples.

According to the UN Declation on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the government must provide enough information and gain the consent of those affected before carrying out any large-scale project or relocating them.

Kua also questioned Pakatan Rakyat’s stand on the Murum dam project, as well as the remaining 11 dams to be built as part of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score).

“What are Pakatan’s policies on these dams? Murum dam, as we know it, is 80 percent completed and even the Penan cannot stop it,” he said.

“The Penan ... are just asking for compensation but what is Pakatan going to do for the Penan? What is Pakatan going to do about Baram and the other 11 dams?”

azlan During the Sarawak state election last year, Pakatan had reportedly said it would review Score and would not build any dams if it forms the state government.

COAC representative Jenita Engi, an indigenous person herself, urged the government to pay attention to the Penan demands.

“The compensation should be given to individuals instead of per family, as this project affects each individual life,” she said.

The Penans are seeking RM500,000 for each family for loss of ancestral land, 30,000 hectares of land for every village, 25 hectares for every farming family, education for their children, a community development fund and rights to their land that is not submerged by the dam.

‘Participate in blockade’

The Murum dam project will affect eight native communities who have set up blockades near the dam site since Sept 26.

Kua urged Malaysians to visit the Murum dam site to see the blockade and to participate in the blockade.

NONE “You could go in a group with a banner stating where you are from, as well as (express) your support, take a photo and broadcast it in order to raise more awareness,” he said adding that this would also serve as a morale booster.

KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall women’s section vice-president Soong Moi said she would donate RM2,000 to kick-start the donation drive.

Her colleague Cheng Fui Gen expressed the hope of raising RM5,000 from members.

The Murum Appeal petition will be submitted to the relevant authorities and state government.

Donations can be sent via the Borneo Resource Institute Sarawak - for details, email saveriversnet@gmail.com