Sarawak police yesterday detained four Iban landowners in Sri Aman for allegedly torching mobile camps belonging to a logging company operating in Silantek, about 180km from state capital Kuching.

Sri Aman police chief Mat Jusoh Muhamad confirmed that the four are being remanded pending investigation of the company's report against them by the company.

They comprise well-known local activist Jacob Emang, 59, as well as Ziglar anak Kasau, Edward Ungga and Gerah ak Gugat.

Mat Jusoh told malaysiakini by phone that he could not say when or whether they would be charged in court. However, it is understood that the four have contacted Kuching-based lawyer Baru Bian (photo) to act for them.

Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) secretary-general Nicholas Munjah said the four were arrested and remanded after being directed to report to the Sri Aman police station.

The magistrate's court in Sri Aman this morning extended the remand of the four for another six days pending completion of police investigations.

Jacob is said to have a heart problem and it is understood that his lawyer will be writing to the police for his release from remand so that he can receive medical treatment.

The alleged incident was said to have taken place last Thursday after complaints over the last two years that logging is being carried out on land belonging to the Iban.

There has been a series of conflicts between landowners and timber companies given permits to extract logs from sites of villages in Balai Ringin and Pantu in Sri Aman.

Non-governmental organisations have taken up the cause of those affected, asking for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia to intervene in the disputes over land claims.