MIRI – Reveal the names of the timber giants responsible for the latest logjam in Sg Balui, Sarawak, PKR told the state government.
State PKR information chief Abun Sui said the logjam caused by timber debris washed into the rivers from logging zones has to be cleared as it is damaging the waterways and causing hardship to thousands of rural folk.
“The logjam is massive. Obviously, the debris must have come from some big logging operation sites.
“The state government issued logging licences to many timber giants, so these logging companies must be held accountable and clear the debris they caused.
“The latest logjam along Sg Balui is getting worse. Who are the timber operators responsible? The state government must compel them to clean up the mess,” he told The Vibes today.
Sui is a lawyer based in Miri, but is a Belaga local.
Thousands of remote villagers in the Belaga district in the upper reaches of the Bakun Dam have been cut off for three days as their rivers are choked with timber debris for kilometres at a time.
Belaga activist Harry Wing said many residents are cut off as they cannot navigate the rivers.
“There are at least six major riverine settlements affected. Long Busang is the most populated. The other settlements are Long Jawe, Long Ayak, Naha Jalei, Batu Keling Naha Nyabong and Sang Anau.
“Villagers from these places dare not use the rivers as floating logs make it dangerous.”
He said there must be urgent measures taken to clear the debris.
The last logjam incident was on August 22 along Sg Baleh. It took authorities two weeks before cleaning up efforts took place. – The Vibes, October 15, 2021
