On Today Show
— Gereng Jadum, Residents of Penan Metalun, Murum – Broken Promises and Layoffs: The Penan's Battle for Fair Treatment
— Barnie Lasimbang, Founder of Tonibung, environmental activist – Controversial Carbon Deal in Sabah: NGOs Take Legal Action
— Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan – Baram Residents Face Risky Journeys After Log Bridge Collapse
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Gereng Jadum, Penduduk Penan Metalun, Murum – Janji Yang Dilanggar dan Pembuangan Kerja: Pertarungan Penan untuk Layanan Adil
— Barnie Lasimbang, Pengasas Tonibung, aktivis alam sekitar – Perjanjian Karbon Kontroversi di Sabah: NGO Ambil Tindakan Undang-Undang
— Anyi Lah dari Long Tebangan – Penduduk Baram Menghadapi Perjalanan Berisiko Selepas Jambatan Balak Roboh
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Gereng Jadum, Residents of Penan Metalun, Murum
*Broken Promises and Layoffs: The Penan's Battle for Fair Treatment*
Since the Penan were moved to the Tegulang and Metalun settlements in 2013 to make way for the construction of the Murum Dam, they have expected a better life than in their original place. However, after four years in the new Murum settlement, the monthly subsistence allowance of RM850 per family was stopped. The government had initially promised to continue providing subsistence assistance until the Penan people became independent and had their own income. Unfortunately, on May 28, 2024, 126 Penan Murum employees were laid off by the Danum Sinar company, where they worked as manual laborers in the company's oil palm plantations.
On July 28, 2024, these 126 Penan set up a blockade, dissatisfied with being fired without notice. On July 31, 2024, Danum Sinar requested a period of three weeks to resolve the problem after the labor department and the police became involved. Now, the 126 laid-off workers are hoping for success in negotiations led by their lawyers. The Penan people are demanding compensation for being laid off and are also demanding that the Kelayan and Lakin Estates be given to them so they can manage the two farms themselves. In total, Danum Sinar owns six oil palm estates in Murum.
When asked why their demand is rational, Gereng explained that the palm oil estates were opened on their land, so they have the right to them. They have already established their own company to manage the farm. Although Gereng is still working with Danum Sinar, he feels compelled to speak up on behalf of his dismissed colleagues. "I'm not afraid of being fired. I still speak up for my friends who were fired without notice," he said. Gereng also revealed that the Indonesian workers employed to replace the dismissed Penan do not have valid work permits.
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