Bruno Manser Fund accused of exploiting villagers

MIRI: The Bruno Manser Fund (BMF) has been accused of exploiting villagers from Long Terawan and Mulu.

During a press conference yesterday, the villagers called on the police and Immigration Department to investigate the fund’s attempt to stop development in the two areas.

“We are representatives of the villages, taking our own initiative to explain to all parties to clear our name as the residents of the area,” said Penghulu Herbert Lawai.

“BMF is trying to twist and exploit our relatives from Kampung Batu Bungan, Mulu through Penan longhouse chief Ukau Lupung and some others, to object to and block the Radiant Lagoon company in carrying out work on the land, which has been agreed to by Long Terawan and Mulu villagers.”

According to him, the recent blockade and negative media attention has tarnished the image of the Mulu World Heritage Site.

“We, the original inhabitants of the Mulu and Long Terawan areas, have been embarrassed by the protest actions of Ukau Lupung’s brother, which are beyond the customs of the villagers and the people on the ground,” he said.

“We ourselves gave advice to Ukau Lupung and Willie Kajan, and explained the effort and social responsibility of the company after the plantation is open such as giving oil palm seedling, cooperating with the company, taking employees from among villagers and so on.”

Long Terawan Ketua Kaum Edmund Abang said serious action must be taken against individuals and foreigners who are against development for the people of Mulu and Long Terawan.

“Here we also want to expose the names of a foreigner, Lucas, and three others involved with BMF so that action is taken against them because they are the ones that interfere with the governance of Long Terawan and Mulu,” he said.