BALINGIAN (25 April, 2000): The Dayak Ibans of Balingian are protesting against the logging activities and the establishment of the oil palm plantation on their native customary rights land.

After one week of continuous blockade, the Ibans came to know that Alwayield Sdn. Bhd. is extracting timbers and doing forest clearing for a plantation company, Novelpac Puncakdana Plantation Sdn. Bhd. They were also told that Novelpac Puncakdana Plantation Sdn. Bhd. have been granted Provisional Lease by the Sarawak State Government that overlap over their native customary rights land territory without their prior informed consent.

The blockade was done peacefully according to the Dayak traditional 'adat' or custom. Yesterday, a pig was offered as sacrificed to the spirits of the land and seeking protection from their ancestors. They also performed a 'miring' (spiritual offering) ceremony to ask for assurance to their spirits in their defence and to cleanse their native customary land from any misfortunes.

The blockade have interrupted the operation of Novelpac Puncakdana Plantation Sdn. Bhd., their workers retreated and the Ibans confiscated the ignition key to one of the excavating tractors and surrendered it to the Police at the Selangau Police Station. At the same time they lodged a police report complaining that Alwayield Sdn. Bhd. are still proceeding with their land clearing activities. The Iban also complained to the Police alleging the loggers have destroyed their 'miring' altar, which was set at the blockade site.

9 Iban longhouses are affected by this logging and plantation operation, Rumah Lanyau, Rh. Ketip, Rh. Anchih, Rh. Madak, Rh. Lipo, Rh. Mulok, Rh. Jandang, Rh. Ladun and Rh. Chabu. These longhouses are located in the upper Balingian area of Mukah District in Sibu Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. More than a hundred men, women and children kept vigil at the blockade site. - BRIMAS