MALAYSIA – Palm oil industry and government violate their rights, say the indigenous
18 March 2009 2:07 am

malaysia_rampaging.jpgMore than a hundred indigenous people launched their report entitled "Rampaging the Rainforests" on 21 February 2009, during "Randau Pemansang" meaning "forum on development of indigenous people". The report presents facts of how their native customary right, right to land and right to livelihood have been violated by the palm oil industry and the Malaysian government.

"The floods have carried pesticides used in the palm oil plantations to our rivers and poisoned our waters. This means that the government is poisoning us", said James Adau, a leader from Sibu, a participant to the forum. He encouraged all the indigenous peoples to rise up against all injustices "for we have no other choice".

The report contains findings and recommendations on the land rights of the indigenous people in Sarawak, eastern Malaysia.

They also started an online petition addressing the issue to the government, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and the ministry of Sarawak.