On Today Show
> Dennis Along- Political and Environmental Activist from Long Terawan Mulu, Baram – Bribery and Environmental Damage: Sarawak Premier Accused of Supporting Illegal Logging in Penan Lands 
> Chiew Choon Mun, MP Miri of PKR – Miri's Squatter Crisis: Over 11,000 People in Dire Need of Affordable Housing 
> Robert, social activist from Bintulu –  Citizenship Amendment: A Step Forward for Sarawak’s Children, But Questions Remain for Indigenous Communities


Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Dennis Along - Aktivis Politik & Alam Sekitar dari Baram menuduh Premier Sarawak menyokong pembalakan haram di tanah Penan, menyebabkan kerosakan alam sekitar.
> Chiew Choon Mun, Ahli Parlimen PKR Miri, menekankan lebih 11,000 orang di Miri memerlukan perumahan mampu milik akibat krisis setinggan.
> Robert, aktivis sosial dari Bintulu, membincangkan pindaan kewarganegaraan yang memberi manfaat kepada anak-anak Sarawak tetapi menimbulkan persoalan bagi komuniti pribumi.

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Dennis Along- Political and Environmental Activist from Long Terawan Mulu, Baram.
*Bribery and Environmental Damage: Sarawak Premier Accused of Supporting Illegal Logging in Penan Lands*
Following the cancellation of UBFA, a warning banner is being circulated by the media - showing 11 penan men and 2 children. Banner written, to BMF, Keruan and Roland Engan, Kaum Penan in Ba Data If we don't want you to interfere in the affairs of the forest in our village. We want to move forward and welcome the efforts of the Premier of Sarawak and the logging company to bring development to our village. According to Dennis- the voice like in the banner is the voice of the Penan minority group that was bribed by GPS and the logging company. Their number is less than 20 people. I think Premier Johari Openg is worse than Adenan Satem. During his short administration- Adenan announced that no more logging licenses would be issued. Development matters are not the work of logging companies. Instead it is the responsibility of the ruling government. There is no evidence anywhere in the baram of any development made by logging companies. What the log companies have been doing all this time is damaging the environment and after the logs are taken away. Log roads are left damaged and crumbling.
The native people should now take steps to sue the logging company for environmental crimes and report to the SPRM that Sarawak Premier Johari Openg is involved in the misuse of power to allow Borneoland Timber to log in the Penan forest reserve, which is an activity opposed by the majority of the Penan people. In terms of politics, the people were asked not to vote for GPS again and the people demanded an investigation into the Forest Revenue Fund established during the era of Chief Minister Tun Rahman Yakob's administration. Where the timber proceeds are collected and supposedly used for development. Actually according to Dennis the cancellation of the UBFA because of the illegal logging activities by Borneoland Timber supported by the Sarawak Forest Department was exposed and this is an embarrassment to the administration of Premier Johari Openg. As a result, they canceled UBFA.

18 October 2024

On Today Show
> Dominic Langat, Resident of the Penan tribe from Long Tungan, Baram – Baram Residents Question Multi-Million Ringgit Contract for Logging Companies to Repair Roads 
> Mr. Nichol from Kuching – Cash Aid Won't Benefit Rural Sarawak Without Fair Fund Management 

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Dominic Langat, Penduduk suku kaum Penan dari Long Tungan, Baram – Penduduk Baram Mempertikaikan Kontrak Bernilai Jutaan Ringgit untuk Syarikat Pembalakan Bagi Membaiki Jalan Raya  
> Encik Nichol dari Kuching – Bantuan Tunai Tidak Akan Memberi Manfaat Kepada Penduduk Luar Bandar Sarawak Tanpa Pengurusan Dana yang Adil  

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Dominic Langat, Resident of the Penan tribe from Long Tungan, Baram
*Baram Residents Question Multi-Million Ringgit Contract for Logging Companies to Repair Roads*
A video of YB Dennis Angau's speech as Telang Usan, Baram assemblyman is currently going viral. In a meeting with the residents of Baram, YB Dennis said - he, Datu Gerawat Gala Mulu assemblyman, YB Datu Pengguang Marudi assemblyman and member of Parliament Anyie Ngau receive dozens of complaints every day from Baram residents related to the problem of damaged roads, landslides, broken bridges and various other things. road problems in Baram. So the government took an experimental approach to appoint the famous conglomerate company Samling, Double Dynasty Group and BHT Interprise Marudi to repair and maintain the log roads in Baram, and they will be paid by the Sarawak government. According to Dominic- all Baram residents are happy when the road is repaired. But pouring millions of dollars into improving and maintaining log roads is a futile effort. The government should start building paved roads to rural areas. Although it is a little late, but the effect will be better. The road is well prepared and can be used for a long period of time. Another question is why a logging company was given a multi-million ringgit contract. We the people of Baram question where the money from the Forest Concession Fund that was established 40 years ago is going, which is said to collect money from logging for the purpose of building roads and progress for rural residents. When the logging company first wanted to enter our village of Long Tungan in 1994. They persuaded us that the logging company would contribute RM1 for every 1 ton of logs cut down and put into the fund. Now use the money from this fund to build roads to the interior of Sarawak. Now we demand that YBYB GPS ask in the Sarawak state assembly conference, where does the forest concession trust fund money go?
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21 October 2024

On Today Show  
> Chales Tau, Resident of Asmadi Agau Longhouse, Long Urun, Belaga – Long Urun’s Irony: Solar Power Brings Relief, But National Grid and Roads Still Out of Reach 
> Agnes Padan, an activist from Lawas – Decades of Waiting: Lawas’ Struggles with Unfinished Projects and Poor Healthcare
> S Arutchelvan, deputy chairman of PSM – Workers' Voices Ignored in Minimum Wage Increase, PSM Claims 
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Charles Tau, Penduduk Rumah Panjang Asmadi Agau, Long Urun, Belaga – Ironi Long Urun: Tenaga Solar Memberi Kelegaan, Tetapi Grid Nasional dan Jalan Masih di Luar Jangkauan  
> Agnes Padan, seorang aktivis dari Lawas – Puluhan Tahun Menunggu: Perjuangan Lawas dengan Projek yang Tidak Selesai dan Penjagaan Kesihatan yang Lemah  
> S. Arutchelvan, timbalan pengerusi PSM – Suara Pekerja Diabaikan dalam Kenaikan Gaji Minimum, PSM Dakwa  

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Chales Tau, Resident of Asmadi Agau Longhouse, Long Urun, Belaga
*Long Urun’s Irony: Solar Power Brings Relief, But National Grid and Roads Still Out of Reach*
Long Urun is the settlement area of 18 Kenyah and Penan communities. Rumah Panjang Asmadi Agau is one of them. Since decades ago the community of Long Urun lived in poverty. They have only been able to get electricity for the past 3 years through an experimental hybrid solar project by the SEB company. Ironically, the longhouse in Long Urun is only a 2-hour drive to the Bakun dam. In a frugal way, use only basic electrical tools. This solar project is indeed beneficial. But their question is, why are we not connected to the national grid to get a more stable and sufficient electricity supply. We also do not have paved roads from the government here. We only use oil palm plantations Shin Yang Plantation and Urun Plantation. Water supply for daily use is using a nearby creek. We hope that the government will be able to speed up the construction of infrastructure facilities to our area in Long Urun. There is no logging activity in our area. The wood has been cut down. What exists now is a land monopoly by oil palm plantation companies. We are worried that in the long term our rivers will be polluted by manufacturing and plantation activities.
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22 October 2024

On Today Show
> Madeline Jok, Retired Teacher from Long Panai, Baram and Willie Kajan, Resident of Tering Long Terawan – Flooding and Destruction: Baram Villagers Eye Legal Action Against Timber Giants 
> Mr. Jimmy from Miri – 5000 Hectares for Rice? Doubts Arise Over Sarawak’s Mega Agriculture Plan 

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Madeline Jok, Guru Bersara dari Long Panai, Baram dan Willie Kajan, Penduduk Tering Long Terawan – Banjir dan Kemusnahan: Penduduk Baram Timbang Tindakan Undang-Undang Terhadap Syarikat Pembalakan  
> Encik Jimmy dari Miri – 5000 Hektar untuk Padi? Keraguan Timbul Terhadap Rancangan Pertanian Mega di Sarawak

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Madeline Jok, Retired Teacher from Long Panai, Baram and Willie Kajan, Resident of Tering Long Terawan
*Flooding and Destruction: Baram Villagers Eye Legal Action Against Timber Giants*
After being hit by floods twice in October 2024, finally the residents of Long Panai were given help by the Sarawak government in the form of 2 bags of 5kg rice, 2 pcs maggie noodles, 2 pcs cooking oil, 2 pcs wheat flour, 2 pcs salt, 2 pcs sugar, 2 pcs of tea and 2 pcs of biscuits. We call this help maggie mee. Just to release a cough on the stairs only. Our real loss is that our lives are disrupted and our crops and livestock die. We have planned to move to higher ground. But this all comes at a high cost. Leveling house sites, building roads to new longhouses and buying new house building equipment. Whichever logging company caused us to move must be responsible for helping us. We are thinking of moving because we have been flooded too often and our daily life has been disrupted. Asked if the villagers know, why there are always big floods?. According to Cikgu Medeline all residents know that it is caused by uncontrolled logging and palm oil plantation activities. However, Willie Kajan from Long Terawan, Mulu- is of the opinion that the time has come for the people of Baram to dare to sue the logging and plantation companies that are the cause of these frequent floods. Willie also hopes that YB GPS together with the residents will sue the timber companies that make millions of ringgit but cause hardship to the rural residents in the long term. Baram residents can sue and claim damages - Willie Kajan said.
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23 October 2024

On Today Show
> YB Tan Kar Hing, Member of Parliament for Gopeng and member of the Special Select Committee of Parliament related to Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living, and Agriculture – Balancing Rice Production and Land Rights: Sarawak’s Agriculture Project Under Scrutiny 
> Mr. Paul from Long Lama – Sarawak Paddy Project: Resident Raises Concerns Over Land Ownership and Planning 
> Thomas Fann, Chairman of Engage – MP Absenteeism Could Harm Voter Trust, Democracy Advocate Thomas Fann Warn

Topik Pada Hari Ini 
> YB Tan Kar Hing, Ahli Parlimen Gopeng dan ahli Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Parlimen berkaitan Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Keusahawanan, Kos Sara Hidup, dan Pertanian – Menyeimbangkan Pengeluaran Beras dan Hak Tanah: Projek Pertanian Sarawak Dalam Pemerhatian  
> Encik Paul dari Long Lama – Projek Penanaman Padi Sarawak: Penduduk Membangkitkan Kebimbangan Mengenai Pemilikan Tanah dan Perancangan  
> Thomas Fann, Pengerusi Engage – Ketidakhadiran Ahli Parlimen Mungkin Menjejaskan Kepercayaan Pengundi, Amaran Aktivis Demokrasi Thomas Fann

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YB Tan Kar Hing, Member of Parliament for Gopeng and member of the Special Select Committee of Parliament related to Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living, and Agriculture
*Balancing Rice Production and Land Rights: Sarawak’s Agriculture Project Under Scrutiny*
YB Tan Kar Hing has commented on the proposal to increase white rice production in Malaysia. Sarawak is ready to release an initial capital of RM500 million and hopes to secure an additional RM500 million from the federal government. According to Kar Hing, this is a promising suggestion given that paddy cultivation areas in Peninsular Malaysia are becoming more limited, while Sabah and Sarawak still have fertile and extensive agricultural lands.
However, Kar Hing expressed concern, as previous similar projects had been proposed but failed, leaving the people of Sarawak worried. Furthermore, some of the areas targeted for development face conflicts over Native Customary Rights (NCR) land claims, and there is a lack of transparency in project implementation. Misappropriation of funds and agricultural grants is also a common issue. The Sarawak Premier stated that his political/DUN constituency in Gedong has the potential for hybrid rice cultivation, and a pilot project has already been implemented in Lubok Punggol, Gedong. In total, Gedong alone could provide 700,000 hectares of fertile land for rice cultivation, along with other areas such as Tanjung Bijat in Sri Aman, Sepaoh in Betong, and Tanjong Burong in Lundu.
The Premier of Sarawak identified constituencies within the state with potential for development. However, Kar Hing emphasized that the state government holds full authority over land matters. A special select committee will be responsible for monitoring each project undertaken with joint venture funds from the state and federal governments. It is indeed the committee's duty to ensure that government grants and projects meet their objectives.
Residents in the interior of Sarawak have often complained that they are supplied with hill paddy fertilizer, despite not cultivating rice or applying for such assistance. Kar Hing explained that the potential implementation of the rice cultivation project in Sarawak may include areas recommended by the Sarawak GPS government, as well as the exploration of hill paddy cultivation in highland areas such as Baram and Bario. However, it is still uncertain whether the federal government will approve the RM500 million requested by the Sarawak state government.
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24 October 2024

On Today Show
> Dennis Along, Communications Director of the People's Justice Party, Baram – Public Funds for Political Gain? RM60 Million Allocation Sparks Controversy 
> Mr. Laeng from Baram – Protecting Indigenous Lands: Cooperative to Assist NCR Landowners in Sustainable Agriculture

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Dennis Along, Pengarah Komunikasi Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Baram – Dana Awam untuk Kepentingan Politik? Peruntukan RM60 Juta Menimbulkan Kontroversi  
> Encik Laeng dari Baram – Melindungi Tanah Adat: Koperasi untuk Membantu Pemilik Tanah NCR dalam Pertanian Lestari

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Dennis Along, Communications Director of the People's Justice Party, Baram
*Public Funds for Political Gain? RM60 Million Allocation Sparks Controversy*
In the triennial meeting of the PBB Bukit Saban Branch, Betong Parliament. PBB Bukit Saban Branch Chairman Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dauglas Unggah Embas said that PBB Bukit Saban Branch has received an allocation of rm60 million from the government. This is intended for party members to implement several agricultural economic projects such as the cultivation of Palm Oil, Rubber, Pepper, vegetables, animal husbandry and so on. According to Dauglas the PBB is getting stronger because of the undivided support of Party members. Commenting on the matter, Dennis Along said that it was clearly an abuse of power. Channeling taxpayers' money for the use of political parties to gain vote support. Dennis urged the MACC to immediately investigate Unggah for allegations of abuse of power such as the Jana Wibawa case involving former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
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25 October 2024

On Today Show
> Ong Kian Ming, Former Serdang Member of Parliament – Kian Ming Critiques Najib’s Dishonest Confession on 1MDB 
> Thomas Fann, chairman of ENGAGE – Public Suspicions Rise Over Najib's Apology 
> Mr. Paul Nunggang from Ulu Baram – Building Bridges for Baram: A Call to Action 

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Ong Kian Ming, Bekas Ahli Parlimen Serdang– Kian Ming Kritik Pengakuan Tidak Jujur Najib tentang 1MDB
> Thomas Fann, Pengerusi ENGAGE – Kecurigaan Awam Meningkat Terhadap Permohonan Maaf Najib
> Encik Paul Nunggang dari Ulu Baram – Membina Jambatan untuk Baram: Satu Seruan untuk Bertindak

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Ong Kian Ming, Former Serdang Member of Parliament.
*Kian Ming Critiques Najib’s Dishonest Confession on 1MDB*
Ong Kian Ming thought Najib's apology was dishonest because he only admitted to being cheated by Jho Low, not admitting to stealing, abetting and defrauding 1mdb money. Najib made the apology to draw sympathy from Malaysians. If Najib truly repents and honestly confesses his wrongdoing, according to Kian Ming- it would be better for him to admit his wrongdoing in court and accept whatever punishment the court will decide.  Najib can also help give information to recover the money of 1mdb and Najib should return the money he has stolen from 1mdb. According to Kian Ming again - Malaysia is not only a loss in terms of ringgit money, the country's reputation is tarnished, but political leaders and NGOs are heavily pressured during Najib's administration. Tony Puan, Rafizi Ramli were charged in court, their passports were seized and they were banned from going abroad. Prime Minister and Premier of Sarawak Johari Openg accepted Najib's apology. However, Kian Ming did not agree with the prime minister's actions - for forgiving Najib when the 1mdb case was still being tried. It will create subjudicial elements that may influence the court's decision, PM Anwar Ibrahim should not give any comments and remain neutral. 
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28 October 2024

On Today Show
> Jacklyn Simo, Resident of Nyigol Village, Bengoh – Demanding Justice and Development: Bengoh Dam Relocated Villagers Stand Firm 
> Mr Robert from Bintulu – Sustaining Nature, Respecting Rights: Indigenous Communities in Energy Policy 
> Agnes Padan, activist from Lawas – Support the Call for Automatic Welfare Registration for Sarawak Seniors 

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Jacklyn Simo, Penduduk Kampung Nyigol, Bengoh – Menuntut Keadilan dan Pembangunan: Penduduk Pindahan Empangan Bengoh Tetap Teguh  
> Encik Robert dari Bintulu – Memelihara Alam, Menghormati Hak: Komuniti Orang Asli dalam Dasar Tenaga  
> Agnes Padan, aktivis dari Lawas – Menyokong Seruan untuk Pendaftaran Kebajikan Automatik bagi Warga Emas Sarawak

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Jacklyn Simo, Resident of Nyigol Village, Bengoh
*Demanding Justice and Development: Bengoh Dam Relocated Villagers Stand Firm*
Jacklyn is the daughter of anti-dam activist Simo Sekam's brother. Because RFS failed to contact Simo for several days. We asked the younger generation - Jacklyn - about the state government's proposal to use the Bengoh dam to be used as a hydro dam while also supplying clean water to the people of Kuching City. According to Jacklyn- they don't really believe the media statement by Sarawak Premier Johari Openg at the Borneo Water and Wastewater Exhibition on 23 Oct 2024. The Premier said he would use the Bengoh dam to generate electricity in addition to building 12 more cascading dams. We do not believe it will happen. because the government's plan to build the Bengoh dam to supply clean water also failed. There hasn't been any water pipe connection from the Bengoh dam since it was completed - thus making the sacrifices of our previous move in vain.  The Bengoh dam project with a cost of rm310 million was originally to supply clean water to the people of Kuching City. 4 villages were relocated namely Kampung Semban, Rejoi/ Nyigol, Pain Bojong and Taba Sait village. 3 villages agreed to be placed in the resettlement area built by the government, while Rejoi village chose to move to higher ground by itself. But according to Jacklyn, those of us who do not follow the government's wishes are severely discriminated against. No help and facilities were given to us. There are no roads, electricity or telephone facilities in our village Nyigol. If the government is serious about developing the population, it must get our approval first with a convincing development plan. But we will not compromise on our customary land rights.

29 October 2024

On Today Show
> Iswardy Morni, Malaysian Political Analyst – High Court's Verdict: Najib Razak Must Answer for 1MDB Scandal as Defense Begins 
> Jeffrey Ngui from MUDA Sarawak – Sarawak’s Billion-Ringgit Revenue vs. Rural Development Gaps 
> Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist – Drafting Malaysia's Climate Future: National Climate Change Bill Opens for Public Feedback  

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Iswardy Morni, Penganalisis Politik Malaysia – Keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi: Najib Razak Perlu Menjawab Skandal 1MDB Semasa Pembelaan Bermula  
> Jeffrey Ngui dari MUDA Sarawak – Hasil Berbilion Ringgit Sarawak vs. Jurang Pembangunan Luar Bandar  
> Barnie Lasimbang, Pengasas Tonibung, aktivis alam sekitar – Merangka Masa Depan Iklim Malaysia: Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara Dibuka untuk Maklum Balas Awam

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Iswardy Morni, Malaysian Political Analyst.
*High Court's Verdict: Najib Razak Must Answer for 1MDB Scandal as Defense Begins*
Today the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib Razak to defend himself - on all 25 charges he faced. That is 21 charges of money laundering and 4 charges of misuse of power involving funds of 1mdb rm2.3 billion. The court ruled that the prosecution succeeded in establishing a prima facie case after calling 50 witnesses and the trial lasted for five years. Iswardy explained that the prosecution succeeded in showing the close relationship between Najib and Jho Low, the testimony of the witnesses was consistent and the witnesses had no motive to trap Najib who was the Prime Minister at the time.
Najib's main lawyer - Mohammad Shafie Abdullah said - for now his side seems to be a total loser, not even 1 point was given to us. This is an extraordinary history throughout my time as a brilliant lawyer. Iswardy emphasized that- this is not a matter of a brilliant lawyer or not. It is closely related to the facts of the case. The money goes into Najib's account. Najib admitted that it was his account, but he said that he did not know it was 1mdb money. Najib claimed that the money was a donation from the Arab King. Iswardy said that illegal funds going into the account and used for personal purposes is anoffence. Because the chronology of the trial is simple and because the facts of the case are clear, it is easy for the judge to make a decision. Asked why Anwar easily forgives Najib and is this PM Anwar's effort to strengthen UmNo which will also help PH win in the next General Election?. Iswardy thought that was too far. Anwar forgave Najib because he admitted his guilt. Anwar did not absolve Najib of all the charges and crimes he committed. According to Iswardy, if Najib is convicted of several more cases that will be tried. The total cumulative sentence that will be imposed on Najib may be hundreds of years. At that time, Najib was too old to be in politics.  The judge set December 2, 2024 for the defense phase hearing.


30 October 2024

On Today Show
> Nick Kelesau- Spokesperson for the Penan Keruan Organization, Baram – Forest Guardians of Baram: Penan Community’s Struggle Against Logging and Palm Oil Plantations 
> Mr. Robert, a social activist – Decades of Funding, But No Roads: Sarawak’s Infrastructure Woes Spark Activist Criticism 

Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Nick Kelesau - Jurucakap Organisasi Penan Keruan, Baram – Penjaga Hutan Baram: Perjuangan Komuniti Penan Menentang Pembalakan dan Ladang Kelapa Sawit  
> Encik Robert, seorang aktivis sosial – Puluhan Tahun Pembiayaan, Tetapi Tiada Jalan Raya: Masalah Infrastruktur di Sarawak Mencetuskan Kritikan Aktivis

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Nick Kelesau- Spokesperson for the Penan Keruan Organization, Baram.
*Forest Guardians of Baram: Penan Community’s Struggle Against Logging and Palm Oil Plantations*
According to Nick, the majority of the Penan people involved in the UBFA area are sad because the project was canceled by the Sarawak Forestry Department. We believe it is a good collaboration involving several foreign countries, domestic and foreign NGOs, state and central government agencies including the Sarawak and Malaysian governments.  We believe that the combination and experience of several parties can be used to preserve the forest in addition to improving the socio-economic status of the Penan people.  Even though it has been canceled we will still continue on a small scale as far as we can. In some Penan settlements such as Long Lamai, Long Kerong, Selungo and Long Main. We have successfully opened a nursery to plant trees from the native spices of the Borneo forest. Although prevented by the forest department. But we don't care. We plant trees to save forests, instead of cutting down trees like Borneoland Timber does at Data Bila. Indeed our original plan to save the rest of our logged forest. We named it as Taman Damai Baram - before the idea of UBFA was born. Regarding the STA claim accusing us of making false claims that millions of native forests will be destroyed and burned for tree planting projects, palm oil plantations and logging. I invited the STA to come down to Baram and see for themselves the damage caused by palm oil plantations and logging.  STA CEO Annie Ting spoke only from an air-conditioned office in Kuching. If he wants to see the truth please visit Baram and we will show you the incredible damage done by these logging and plantation companies. Our call for the EU to classify Sarawak/Malaysia as a high-risk state under the Anti-Deforestation regulations is correct - because we see with our own eyes the damage around us and we can prove our claims - Nick Kelesau



31 October 2024

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18 October 2024

Radio Free Sarawak

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