Since the 1970s, the Penan have had their forest destroyed by logging and oil palm plantations. The government has told the Penan that they have no rights to their land at all until they ‘settle down’ or start farming.

The Malaysian government claims that Sarawak is being logged sustainably, but in fact its forests are being destroyed at one of the fastest rates in the world. As the forests are logged, the rivers are silted up, killing the fish. The game is being scared deeper into the few remaining forests.

The Penan have been fighting back by erecting blockades across the logging roads. Many Penan have been arrested for these peaceful protests.

How you can help

Please write raising your concerns about the situation of the Penan.

You can use our sample letter or write you own.