Proposed Agro Forestry, Eco-Tourism project in Kanowit faces resistance
SIBU: The government’s Agro Forestry and Eco-Tourism Project at Rumah Magai, Ngugun, Ngemah in Kanowit is facing opposition from at least six associations in Ulu Ngemah, Kanowit.
The associations are Sungai Spali Original Resident Association, Ngemah Tengah Ulu Original Resident Association, Pang Junan Original Resident Association, Ulu Ngemah Simujan Native Land Committee, Sungai Empurau and Lepong Gagup Native Land Committee and Sungai Pasai Native Land Committee.
Pang Junan Original Resident Association chairman Entili Garaji said they objected to the project on the ground that it might destroy the eco- system, their home and natural habitat, and cause water pollution.
He said the affected area is more than 4,000ha belonging to over 100 people from more than 10 longhouses.
Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, he said the six associations had met officers of the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, and submitted their objection letter, but there had been no response.
“There is no follow-up action to our letter. In fact, in August last year, we had a dialogue session with the ministry, in which more than 80 per cent voiced their objection to the proposed project,” he added.
Meanwhile, chairman of Ulu Ngemah Native Land Committee Thomas Laja said they objected because they were originally came from the would-be affected area.
“I was born there. We have rubber plantation, fruits orchards and so forth there. Now, this group of people are trying to develop the land, but we want to preserve the land for our heritage.”
Thomas said he had also learned with regret that certain tuai rumah (headmen) had made their own decision with the ministry without consulting the longhouse folk concerned.