We refer to the Malaysiakini report Logging: Carrots, sticks and lies .

We are disappointed that you have opted to publish an extremely one-sided report on issues that is not a reflection what is truly happening in the forests of Sarawak in that vicinity.

The report paints a bleak picture of the indigenous (Penan) people's plight in that area of the Sarawak forests' and raises the issue of the blockade at Long Benalih, ‘the longest continuous anti-logging protest in Sarawak.'

However, it does not address the fact that the reason ‘the small barricade of sticks and bamboo strung across Samling's timber access' remains intact at Long Benalih is due to the company's ongoing efforts in trying to engage the community.

If the company were as aggressive as the article suggests, then we would not have been able to reach out to the community as we have and the flimsy blockade would most likely not still be present to this day.

We have ongoing discussions with the community and would like to state their positive reception to our engagement and assistance.

We have a profound respect for the villagers living in the forests, and the result of this respect is reflected in our policy of always first engaging in dialogue with villagers before beginning operations.

Contrary to popular and partisan belief, communities living in the forest are eager for progress and improvement to their living standards, and have turned to us for help.

The report also suggests that Samling had hired a man, who is currently on trial in a forgery case, to bribe the communities into submission.

This is untrue, firstly because the man on trial is not a Samling employee, and secondly, it is our company tradition to engage in dialogue and work through a negotiation process to resolve any existing conflict or misunderstanding within the communities.

We sincerely hope Malaysiakini will strive to give a more balanced representation by interviewing more than one person so that the reality can be presented more accurately.

The writer is head, Corporate Communications, Samling Global Limited .