Baram villagers have vehemently refuted their community leader penghulu Paul Kalang’s claim that a dam is the only path to Baram development.

According to Miri-based NGO Save Rivers, villagers have complained through angry phone calls upon learning of the penghulu’s comments as reported in the Borneo Post on Sept 4.

“If the penghulu really wants the dam, he should move to Sungai Asap or one of the resettlement areas for those affected by the existing dams.

“I am sure there are plenty of people from those places who would love to live in Baram instead and giving his home and land (in Baram) in return,” James Nyurang, ( right) village headman of Tanjung Tepalit said in the statement issued by Save Rivers.

He was referring to the dire living conditions at the re-settlement area for those displaced by the Bakun dam.

This was echoed by Anthony Lawai Karing, who is from the same village as Paul.

Puncturing big shots' ego

“Practically all of us in Long San (village) are against the Baram dam. The penghulu never calls for a meeting to ask us for our opinion.

“Why should he meet the chief minister or head of state about Baram? They are not living in Baram and will not suffer if the Baram dam is bilt,” he said.

Thomas Jalong Apui of Long Anap added it is “unacceptable” for the penghulu to use his position to pass off his personal view as that of community.

According to news reports villagers in the Baram area have erected blockades to stop work on the dam, which is now in its preliminary stages.

Construction of access roads, geological surveys, site clearing and a stone quarry have been halted when workers were barred by villagers in October 2013.