A group of 10 semi-nomadic Penan families living in upper Limbang in northern Sarawak are under real danger of their communal forest being affected by logging activities, according to Marudi-based Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) field officer Jok Jau.

Jok Jau told malaysiakini today that his office had been informed that a logging company which has been given the rights to extract timber from the area had already moved in, surveyed the cutting blocks, and would start felling in January next year.

"The Penan group led by Along Sega in the Sungai Nyakit area are trying to defend their communal land where they traditionally carry out their hunting, fishing and farming," he said.

Jok Jau claimed that some strong arm tactics were used and the company was even able to dismantle the blockages set up by the Penan in June.

"It looks like the very survival of the Penan is in danger if they have no more access to their communal land," he said, adding that at their request SAM had written to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud to ask him to intercede.

Worst affected

The effected group is among several nomadic and semi-nomadic Penan groups living in the deep jungles of Limbang and Baram and considered as possibly Sarawak's most backward indigenous groups who have been the worst affected by logging as it enters the state's most remote areas.

Some other groups affected are in Ulu Tutoh in the Baram, according to Jok Jau.

Last week, Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu when visiting rural villages in Baram and Limbang criticised non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in these areas for allegedly instigating the local people against the Barisan Nasional government.

He urged the people to reject the NGOs by not listening to them and to approach the government if they wanted assistance.

Responding to this, Jok Jau said such criticisms against NGOs like SAM are nothing new.

"The reality on the ground is that people know the true situation and the fact that they come to us with their grievance, especially when they face the real danger of displacement from their traditional land, show their genuine concern and want help."

Jok Jau said although they had written to the authorities regarding the plight of the semi-nomadic Penan groups in ulu Limbang they had so far not received any reply.