Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) are pleading to the authorities to address the unresolved problems surrounding thousands of natives who have resettled in Sg Asap, Belaga in central Sarawak.

Approximately 9,500 Sarawakian natives were displaced due to the construction of the controversial Bakun hydro-electric dam, which began seven years ago.

"Basic amenities like water, electricity and telecommunication services need to be drastically improved and should be provided for free. Electricity which has been disconnected to the homes of the Penan Taluns should be reconnected," said SAM president SM Mohamed Idris in a statement.

The veteran activist called on the authorities to provided free houses at Sg Asap, instead of charging each family RM52,000. Presently, each family owes no less than RM40,000 for these houses.

Losses not assessed

The natives also complained about the loss of land, farm and homes in Ulu Balai, where the dam is located.

According to Mohamed Idris, their losses have not been assessed and compensated.

While three-acre plots were given to each family, Mohamed Idris said that it was insufficient to cultivate rice and pepper viably.

He also demanded that the government compensate for the loss of customary lands and upgrade roads and schools in the area.

The dam is scheduled for completion in 2007 and is designed to produce 2,400 megawatts of electricity and would cost between RM4 billion and RM5 billion.