We refer to the Malaysiakini report Furious Kenyah villagers hold blockade .
In reference to that report on the blockade staged by the Lio Mato villagers in Ulu Baram region of Sarawak, we would like to clarify the following:
- Samling has never and does not close its office to anyone who approaches us at our camps during office hours.
- The villagers of Lio Mato are requesting for cash and 400 tonnes of logs to remove the blockade. There was no prior recorded request or agreement (a standard practice of our community assistance programmes and negotiation dialogues), what more of such unprecedented amount.
During the negotiations, the company offered community assistance in the form of road construction and repairs, site leveling, transportation for the communities to sell their produce in our camps, and building materials to maintain their homes.
Negotiations are still ongoing, but if the community declines our offer, we will respect their decision and will continue to engage them to resolve this matter.
Samling maintains its position as a responsible company subscribing to good practices where we operate, which includes ensuring the well-being of the forest communities in the areas of our operations.
It is always our policy to engage in dialogues and negotiation with the local community to resolve differences and work constructively with the communities.
More often than not, we are successful in reaching mutual agreements, and we maintain amicable relationships and positive engagements with these communities.
The writer is manager, Corporate Communications, Syarikat Samling Timber Sdn Bhd.
