Ulu Sarawak : The Chainsaw

 

BE WARNED..there are lots of responsibilities involved in owning a chainsaw in SARAWAK.

The Chainsaw has been a very important modern tool for the Ibans. A happy Iban man has a sharp parang tied to his waist and a lovely Stilh Chainsaw in his hand.

I am often reminded of a story related to our favourite Iban Resident of Third Division, the late Mr. Ignatius Angking.

As the story goes, which has been passed on for many years, so it might not be that accurate like Chinese Whispers....

At one meeting in Sibu, the late Mr. Ignatius Angking was humourous about it when some one at a meeting suggested that the Ibans should not be allowed to buy chainsaws indiscriminately and therefore licence should be applied for by chainsaw owners!! This would mean that every Iban who wanted to own a chainsaw must bring the chainsaw to see the Resident personally to get a licence in Sibu or anywhere in Sarawak....

The meeting was to discuss deforestation and its impact on the river valleys of Third Division.

He replied, " Then better don't allow them to buy chainsaws...."

The Iban way of pronouncing the word is "Chien soh".

The proposal to make Ibans get licenses in order to own a chainsaw did not go down well at all with the general population of Sarawak.

Thirty years down the road in history, there are ways to stop deforestation. No need to stop selling chainsaws to the Ibans.

These two photos are from a friend who recently had to apply to the Forestry to fell two trees on the land he and his father own in order to process timber to build his longhouse.

Another friend 20 years ago, also had to apply to the Forestry for permission to cut down the timber (on his own land) he needed to build his own house in Bakam.

I am wondering if you are a happy chainsaw owner .....And dont forget you need to apply for permission to cut down trees in your own compound today....or you have been warned by the Forestry Department when you happily swing your chainsaw around??