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MULU, Wed. - The Penans urge the Sarawak State Government and other Governments to recognise the Native Customary Rights (NCR) of the Penans in Gunung Mulu National Park as a criterion for the park to be included as a World Heritage Site.

The largest national park in Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park has been proposed by the Malaysian Government to be included as a World Heritage for cultural and natural site. The listing is expected to be announced this November. The site, located in the Miri Division, covers an area of 540 sq. kilometres of shale and sandstone, flanked by limestone outcrops with virgin tropical forests at the lower slopes giving way to montane vegetation in the upper regions.

Besides the rich biodiversity of it's rainforest and uncountable systems of caves and underground passages, it is also home to two indigenous groups, the Penans and Berawans. The Penans and Berawans have for generations enjoyed the freedom to access the rich biodiversity of the forest not until the State Government gazetted the area as a Totally Protected Area (TPA) in 1974.

In conjunction with the World Heritage Conference, held at Royal Mulu Resort from June 20 to 22, the Penan community of Long Iman and Kampung Batu Bungan attended a community workshop organised by Borneo Resources Institute (BRIMAS) to discuss issues pertaining to their land rights and community problems.

From the workshop, the Penans have come out with a statement to call the State Government and the delegates and participants attending the conference to either support or take action on their appeals and demands.

Prior to the conference, no consultation was held with the indigenous communities. They were totally in the dark about the State Government's move to make Gunung Mulu National Park as a World Heritage Site. However, the Penans supports the initiative to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity in the park. The Penans reminded the State Government not only to protect and conserve the biodiversity in the park but most importantly outside of the park especially in their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land. They also demanded that the indigenous groups that resides surrounding the park be given access into the park to collect resources without any restrictions from the Government.

The Penans also do not want to be left out in the development activities taking place within the park. They were concerned of the negative impacts of tourism to their culture and livelihood in the future. They want to be given equal opportunity and as partners to participate in the development of the State's rich and diverse resources so that they can continue to seek partnership with the State for development that benefits them. - BRIMAS