Since the 1970s, the Penan have had their forest destroyed by logging and oil palm plantations. The government has told the Penan that they have no rights to their land at all until they ‘settle down’ or start farming.
The Malaysian government claims that Sarawak is being logged sustainably, but in fact its forests are being destroyed at one of the fastest rates in the world. As the forests are logged, the rivers are silted up, killing the fish. The game is being scared deeper into the few remaining forests.
The Penan have been fighting back by erecting blockades across the logging roads. Many Penan have been arrested for these peaceful protests.
Please write raising your concerns about the situation of the Penan.
You can use our sample letter or write you own.
I am extremely concerned about the situation of the Penan of Sarawak. Logging and plantation companies are destroying their forest, which they rely on for all their needs. Without their forests the Penan will not survive. I am also alarmed that force is used against the Penan for holding peaceful protests.
I urge your government to recognise the Penan’s right to the ownership of their ancestral land, and to ensure that there be no logging, or plantations, on their land without their free, prior and informed consent. I also ask that you ensure that no force is used against the Penan for taking part in peaceful protests to protect their land.
Chief Minister of Sarawak
Office of the Chief Minister of Sarawak
22nd Floor, Wisma Bapa Malaysia Petra Jaya
Kuching
93502
Sarawak
Malaysia
Fax: + 60 82 442755
Begin: 'Dear Minister'
Prime Minister of Malaysia
Perdana Putra Building
62505 Putrayaja
MALAYSIA
Fax: +60 3 8888 3444
Email: ppm@pmo.gov.my
Begin: 'Dear Prime Minister'
