Penan Communities Reject Proposed Cascade Dams, Demand Respect For Indigenous RightsBARAM: More than 100 representatives from 40 Penan communities have unanimously rejected a proposal to construct hydroelectric dams along the Tutoh River in Baram, describing the project as a serious threat to their customary lands, livelihoods, and the future of the Penan people. The proposal involves the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Tutoh River, a river system that has sustained the Penan communities for generations. "The Penan communities do not agree to this project being carried out in our territory. The letter contained 15 questions regarding the proposed project and called for full transparency in its planning process. The affected Penan communities have not given their consent for this project to proceed," Komeok Joe said in concluding his statement.