VIDEO | 2:35 mins

PKR's environmental bureau told the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today that it has evidence to show that police used untoward measures to break up a blockade by the Penan at the Murum Dam on Oct 3.

NONEUrging investigations, bureau chief Lee Chean Chung (left) said police fired a shot into the air in contravention of Section 15(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Saying this while lodging a complaint with Suhakam, Lee said his team would furnish the evidence during Suhakam's investigation.

“I was informed there is evidence as well as a recording of the event. (The evidence) will be furnished and we will give our full cooperation,” the Sumambu assemblyperson said.

He told Malaysiakini this after submitting the complaint to Suhakam deputy secretary Shahizad Sulaiman.

Meanwhile, Roland Egan, who was PKR's candidate for the Baram parliamentary constituency in the may 5 general election, also raised concerns over the Murum Dam impoundment.

Present this morning with four other representatives from the NGO Jaringan Orang Asal Se-Malaysia, he said the impoundment began even though the Penan have not been fully evacuated.

The matter was also raised in their complaint to Suhakam.

Cops say Penans armed and aggressive

A police inspector identified as 'Sufian' was reported to have fired a warning shot into the air on Oct 3 to disperse about 300 Penan who set up a blockade near the Murum dam.

murumSufian is believed to be part of about 30 police personnel assigned to break the blockade.

The Penan set up the blockade to demand ample compensation for loss of property and livelihood.

On Wednesday,  the Sarawak-based Borneo Post quoted Belaga police chief Bakar Sebau as saying that 138 police personnel have been deployed to ensure that work can continue at the dam site.

Bakar said there are currently 100 people, consisting of 25 men, 25 women and 50 children, maning the blockade.

He also said the Penan were armed with parang and were aggressive and intimidating.