I refer to the Malaysiakini report 'Sexual abuse of Penan women': Company in the dark.

The Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) Penang is deeply concerned over the recent reports of Penan girls and women being sexually abused by timber workers in Sarawak. The victims, some of whom are students, were allegedly used as sex workers on a weekly basis by timber workers from two logging companies, one of which is Interhill Logging Sdn Bhd.

It is also alleged that the Penan communities have been intimidated by armed thugs. It has been claimed that as a result of this sexual exploitation, there have been several pregnancies among these Penan women and girls.

The Borneo Resources Institute’s (BRI) Sarawak coordinator, Raymond Abin was also quoted as saying that he has on several occasions been informed of the abuses, pregnancies and “forced marriages” of the Penan girls and women but hardly any action has been taken.

WCC is extremely worried of these allegations and its impact on the physical and the long- term emotional well being of victims of sexual abuses. These underaged school girls and women would be at risk of not only becoming pregnant but also of being infected with sexually transmitted diseases or worse still HIV/AIDS. Given that these women are isolated in the interiors of Sarawak, how will they access medical help?

The sexual exploitation of girls and women is a serious matter, all the more so for vulnerable groups like indigenous communities which have far less access to resources. Their location in the rainforest and hence isolation from the public, places them at further risk of exploitation by unscrupulous individuals in the interior. Given the far distance of the indigenous communities from town areas, accessibility to travel into town to lodge a police report would be difficult.

WCC is extremely dismayed at the dismissive comments made by the authorities, requesting proof or police reports before an investigation can commence. The sexual exploitation of women and girls is a grave matter. Under the Child Act 2001, the authorities must take action if they suspect child sexual abuse has taken place.

It is crucial that the Welfare Department and the Police take immediate action and not wait for more public outcry or police reports. The communities who reside in the rainforests cannot be deprived of their rights or be treated differently from those who live in the cities or Peninsular Malaysia.

WCC urges the minister of women, family and community development, Ng Yen Yen to ensure that these allegations are investigated thoroughly. Prompt action must be taken to ensure the welfare, safety and health of these girls and young women. If sexual exploitation has taken place, then the perpetrators should be charged in court.

The writer is the advocacy officer for the Women’s Centre for Change, Penang.