The forest near the village of Long Lamai was in flames last week after Penan people refused to let timber company workers into their lands, to which the latter reacted by setting th forest on fire. Local people were worried that the fire might extend to larger areas. This region is being targetted by a Malaysian-German technical co-operation project which put in place a comprehensive Forest Management Information System. Samling was the first logging company involved in the project by providing two concession area in Upper Baram as a pioneer testing ground. Even though local communities were explained what its promoters consider benefits of the project, doubts arose among them in relation to alienation of forest reserves or conservation area and the prohibition of logging activities.
Source: Kazuko Matzue, 30/3/1998.
