Rajang River - Logjam Disaster

Logjam Disaster

On 6 October 2010, heavy rain in Putai and Nungun in upper Baleh is said to have caused a massive landslides that brought logs and debris down into the Baleh river, tributaries above Kapit, and then into the Rajang river. It was estimated that the volume of the logs and debris had exceeded 300, 000 m3. This logjam had also affected the Igan river. The log debris, stretching 50 km long, had reached Sibu on 8 October. The logjam have caused transportation difficulties for the people living along side the river and dead fish were also seen on the river.

Sarawak environment and public health minister, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh claimed that the logjam disaster had never happened before in such a large scale. However, land development minister, Datuk Seri James Masing claimed that similar incidents did happen before and he blamed the disaster on indiscriminate logging by irresponsible logging companies. Meanwhile, Sarawak state forest director, Len Talif blamed the logjam solely on the increased concentration of rain during that period. The state's chief minister, Abdul Taib Mahmud had advised the people of Sarawak not to accuse anyone for the causes of this logjam and he assured that the state government will probe into this matter.

As on 2 November 2012, Global Witness in a report entitled "In the Future There Will Be No Forests Left", revealed that the logging operation of Interglobal Empire, a subsidiary of WTK group of companies, in the logging concession T/3476 was responsible for the landslide into Melatai River which subsequently blocked the Rajang River. Taib Mahmud daughters, namely Jamilah and Hanifah Taib are substantial shareholders of WTK and Taib's brother Tufail is the director of one of the major WTK subsidiaries.