SIBU: The construction of the Baleh Dam is not the cause of the logjam on the river here, says Tan Sri James Masing.

       The Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the Baleh assemblyman, claimed the recent logjam at Batang Baleh was caused by a company which tried to extract RM300mil worth of timber from the catchment of the dam.

       He said the timber company concerned wanted to extract the timber before impoundment of the Baleh reservoir begins in 2026.

       Masing said he flew to the headwaters of Sungai Mengiong on Friday (Aug 27), a tributary of Batang Baleh, and located the source of the wood debris.

       He said the timber operators did the salvage logging on behalf of one of the concessionaires, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Cooperation (STIDC).

       "This means that the wood debris had nothing to do with shifting cultivation nor the construction of the Baleh Dam.

       "Baleh Dam is the victim and not the cause of wood debris," he said.

       He urged all parties to stop the blame game and move forward and get whatever timber out before they are submerged.

       He also said the Chief Minister had suggested the formation of a body to find ways and means to extract the timber without causing devastation to the environment.

       "It can't be the Forestry Department, and a third party must be involved.

       "Dragging the department (into the issue) will not work as you cannot be judge, jury and prosecutor," said Masing.