THE Society for Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Sarawak (Scrips) have been hearing increasing talk from natives that certain community chieftains are being "used" by outsiders planning to grab native land for logging and mining operations.
Scrips secretary general Michael Jok told The Vibes, he is checking out these complaints.
"We in Scrips have already been hearing of these from worried folks that certain community leaders within their area are being made use of by outsiders who had entered the forests to carry out survey works.
"These outsiders are eyeing potential new logging sites.
"They are also possibly prospecting for rich deposits of rare metals and minerals in the hills and mountains.
"The worrying thing is that there are certain community leaders collaborating with these outsiders.
"Are these community leaders being made use of by the outsiders? Community leaders must protect the villagers under their care.
"If they are collaborating with outsiders, then that is an act of betrayal," said Jok.
Jok, who is a native of Belaga district in central Sarawak, is also a much-travelled social activist.
He said Scrips will be carrying out more extensive ground visits to protect the interest of the natives living in the deep interior. - September 28, 2024
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