MIRI: Penans and Kenyah Badeng blockading the
RM3bil-Murum Hydroelectric Dam construction site is running into its eighth day
with no sign of fizzling out.
In fact, the number of those involved has risen
from 200 to 320, made up of people from eight villages directly or indirectly
affected by the dam who claim that their appeals regarding their ancestral land
and compensation had been ignored since work on the dam began in 2008.
The blockade has stalled construction work at the
dam, which is about 75% completed.
The peaceful human blockade at Sungai Seping, which
started on Sept 26, was organised by Hal Ehwal Penan Peleiran-Murum (PEMUPA)
Belaga chairman Surang Alung as part of their last ditch effort to be
heard by all parties concerned in the construction and development of
Sarawak Energy Board (SEB) when contacted by The
Star on Wednesday indicated that they were monitoring the development at Murum
closely.
SEB Corporate Communications Senior Manager Haniza Abdul Hamid said "We (Sarawak
Energy) are working closely with the State Government to resolve the matter."
Most of the blockade participants are Penan and
Kenyah Badeng from Long Wat, Long Luar, Long Tangau, Long Menapa, Long Singu,
Long Malim, Long Jaik.
The
944MW Murum Hydroelectric Dam is the first of the 12 new mega dams to be built
in Sarawak after Bakun and will flood about 245,000ha (245 sq km) of land.By DIANE ROSE, The Star Online, Published: Wednesday October 3, 2012 MYT 5:05:00 PM
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