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MIRI – Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is carrying out a ground survey to determine the extent of ecological damage caused by decades of massive logging and plantation operations in the Baram district in northern Sarawak, which is home to a host of rare flora and fauna.
SAM Sarawak coordinator Jok Jau Evong today said the group has visited specific locations in Baram with the help of local indigenous communities affected by large-scale deforestation.
“We are already in the midst of carrying out a thorough ecological-impact assessment ground survey in Baram, visiting specific locations where there are serious ecological impacts of huge logging and plantation operations,” he told The Vibes.
“We want to determine as accurately as possible the impacts of these human development projects on the lives of the native people, wildlife, the impact on the land and rivers, mountains, and air quality.”
Jok said SAM intends to document and compile the information gathered into a comprehensive report, adding that there have been at least seven severe flash floods in Baram this year.
Jok, who is a Baram native leading the ecological impact survey, said he has been traversing the remote parts of the area for more than four decades.
The ongoing ground survey comes after rare and threatened wildlife and plants were found in a massive ecological and heritage study in the Baram district that was completed recently.
The Baram Heritage Survey, conducted 200km inland from Miri, was completed by Penan and Orang Ulu natives in collaboration with local and American researchers.
Komeok Joe, the director of indigenous non-governmental organisation Keruan, said the survey lasted two years and was the biggest ever involving natives. – The Vibes, September 28, 2022