MIRI: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Baram division has called on the authorities to investigate allegations of massive logging in Upper Baram, particularly in the upper Sungai Sela'an area, where the Tekiwit Waterfall is located.
Its division information chief Dennis Along said Sarawak PKR chairman Roland Engan, who is now acting as legal counsel for protesters who claimed that the area was being logged, had gone to visit the site yesterday (Thursday).
"A video was circulated in social media showing he was confronted by a group of people who claimed to have absolute authority and right over the logging area," Along said in a statement.
He said Engan explained the purpose of his visit as an engaged legal counsel to verify the claims of logging by protesters.
"Therefore, PKR Baram division calls for an immediate response from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and state Forestry Department on the alleged forest encroachment.
"The protesters were curious when a signage on logging in the Suling-Selaan Protected Forest was erected near Long Segah Bridge a week ago.
"The Forestry Department needs to explain the signage as soon as possible," Along said, adding that the authority's explanation was crucial because the gazettement or degazettement of a protected forest might affect the privileges and rights of natives living in the area.