MIRI, July 1 -- Sarawak non-governmental organisation (NGO) Keruan and Swiss NGO Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) are calling for the immediate release of two Penan protestors from Long Tepen.

On Sunday, the men were remanded for four days to assist with an investigation under Section 103 of the Forest Ordinance.

In a joint statement yesterday, Keruan and BMF called on the government to support the immediate release of the two men and to take action to stop logging in the area.

"The rights of indigenous peoples to their land must be respected and protected," said the statement.

The NGOs called for assistance on the matter from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

According to the statement, one other man escaped with minor inju...