Hydroelectric Dams Do Not Belong in Borneo

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Dear Editor,

Hydroelectric dams should not be put in Malaysian, Borneo. Not only are they destroying forests, but they’re also disrespecting and violating the rights of the indigenous people. These dams have forced families out of their homes to a more “modern” village. They have been forced to settle in a new village. They were promised a good home and school but it has yet to be met. The government has already added 12 new dams. With these dams and the palm oil industry, there isn’t going to be much forest left. These trees need to be saved.

The Bakun dam put 100 square km of forest and farmland underwater. 9,000 residents were forced out of their homes and to buy another. Residents have began to stick up for their rights and to stop further expansion of the dams. They say that this is just the beginning and there is more to come. “We recognize that yesterday’s relocation is just the first step in a much longer journey.”

These dams do not belong in Borneo. The government should respect the residents wants and needs. These forests will not be able to take the damage.