Malaysia’s rainforests

Press, 28 December 1988, Page 12

Malaysia’s rainforests

THE High Commission of Malaysia has taken exception to an article on the treatment of the rainforests of Malaysia printed under the headline “Sarawak heritage ambush” on the feature page of "The Press” on December 9.

Mr Loh Chang Leng, counsellor (information) at the High Commission, writes in a letter to the Editor: Dear Sir,

“It is becoming increasingly tiresome being assailed by the emotional and totally uninformed outbursts of so-called environmentalists such as the local ‘rainforest action group.’ A further annoying factor is the reported Malaysian involvement in this group. “Allegations levelled at Malaysia, apparently of mindless ravages of our own forests indicate ignorance and lack of understanding of how we value our forests and of our efforts to perpetuate their existence. Campaigns against the use of tropical

timbers have been misguided as, too, have campaigns against the resettlement of the indigenous peoples of Sarawak’s rainforests (Penans). "I wish to make it perfectly clear that as responsible people, Malaysians share the concern of the world for preservation of the tropical rainforest. It is critical to Malaysians more than anybody else, to ensure the stability of our own environment. “Further, it means the welfare of tens of thousands of Malaysians whose livelihood depends not only on wood as an economic commodity but also on agricultural activities where rainfall is important. Negative campaigns, like that of the ‘rainforest action group’ and others in New Zealand, will only serve to undermine Malaysia’s efforts to maintain the balance between forest conservation and economic utilisation of land for the best longterm interest of Malaysia. “The resettlement programmes for the Penans has

been successful, the economic and social well-being of these people being greatly improved. Success in these programmes is best witnessed by the fact that there are no more timber blockades by the Penans in Sarawak. “Therefore, to the so-called small group of nameless Christchurch Malaysians connected with the ‘rainforest action group’ I say: ‘Do they want to see the Penans or their people remain forever backward without any economic help to bring them to the mainstream of civilisation?’Let me remind them that it is because of economic development that their parents and the State can afford to send them for tertiary education in New Zealand.

“In conclusion, I might also suggest for ‘concerned New Zealanders’ over human rights and land rights issues in Malaysia, there may be matters closer to home more worthy of their attention than brazenly interfering in the domestic affairs of Malaysia.”