Baram villagers angry over call to proceed with construction of dam

KUCHING, Sept 6, 2014:  Villagers from Baram were angered by a statement from their community leader, Penghulu Paul Kalang, saying that they were being sidelined in the decision making to determine their livelihood and future related to the proposed Baram dam.

In his press statement published  last Thursday, Paul was reported to have said that the Baram dam was the only way to develop the Baram District and that he and other community leaders were planning to discuss with Chief Minister Adenan Satem to make sure that there was no delay in building the dam.

The Baram dam has received a lot of resistance and protest from the villagers who put blockades to stop further works on the ground for the proposed dam.

Commenting on the statement, James Nyurang, the village headman of Tanjung Tepalit said:"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 give their home to him and he should give his home and land to them in return.”

 Anthony Lawai Karing voicing out the same sentiment said: “I am from Long San and Penghulu Paul is also from there. Practically all of us in Long San 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 they will not suffer if the Baram dam is built.” 

While Thomas Jalong Apui, from Long Anap said: “The Penhulu is entitled to his own opinion but if he uses his position to make such a statement it is unacceptable.”

The proposed Baram dam seems to bring a lot of discord among the communities in Baram, a place which is normally known for harmony and serenity.

 Commenting on the frequent attack against those who are against the dam, Peter Kallang , the chairman of SAVE Rivers said: “These attacks by the politicians and headmen against those who resist the dam would have been proper in an outdated, autocratic or dictatorial society.

"To go ahead and build the dam even though there is so much opposition against it could also be quite acceptable in such a system.

"But based on this country’s constitution it is a violation of human right and it is a crime. So the Baram people need to stand united and continue the struggle persistently," Peter said.