COMMENT Of all the conflicts over land in Sarawak, the bloodbath that broke out in Rumah Bali and Rumah Busang in Ulu Niah, midway between Miri and Bintulu, was the most violent.

It all started the same way all other land disputes in Sarawak. Palm oil plantation projects in fertile areas of Sarawak are commonly implemented without consultation with the indigenous landowners.