This year's annual Suaram human rights award was bagged by the people of Kuala Kuang from Perak and the workers of Euromedical Industry from Kedah.

The duo, chosen by a 12-member judges panel, beat two other nominees , SPNS (Sinui Pai Nanek Sengik which means New Life One Heart) and online daily malaysiakini .

People of Kuala Kuang committee head Chai Sin Chong and Euromedical staff Mansor Abdul Rahman received the award from last year's winner, the Ladang Braemar Workers . The winners also received a computer each.

The people of Kuala Kuang were recognised for their continuous protest against the emission of harmful toxic substances allegedly caused by local rubber factory Chip Lam Seng since 1995 in their area.

The villagers formed a committee in 1999 to voice their complaints through numerous letters and memorandums to the police, political parties and government ministers. They have also taken the factory owner to court.

The villages set up a permanent camp by the main road to display banners that highlighted their cause and have staged a march around the village that ended in the arrests of several protesters.

Their relentless efforts finally led to the factory owner agreeing to shut down operations by March 30 next year. He also agreed to redress the environmental problems caused by his factory.

"This triumph reminds us all that, no matter what the odds, determination and dedication to the cause will ultimately result in victory," said a Suaram representative when making the announcement.

Battle for union

Meanwhile, the Euromedical workers received the award for their nearly three-decade long fight to set-up an union and protect themselves from exploitation and unfair treatment.

Despite being harassed, threatened and victimised, the workers managed to form a union following a landmark court decision.

Euromedical specialises in producing urological catheters and respiratory care products and exports them worldwide.

The Suaram human rights award is to recognise and encourage the efforts and struggles of individuals or organisations.

The awards were presented alongside the launch of Suaram's 2004 Malaysia annual human rights repot executive summary in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the World Human Rights Day today.

The event was attended by about 80 local activists and non-governmental organisation representatives as well as foreign dignitaries.

Previous winners include the Kampung Sungai Nipah community for fighting against eviction (1999), the Reformasi movement (2000), the Damasara Save Our School Committee and the ISA family support group (2001), Human Rights and Police Watch Committee (2002).