By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 29: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has firmly rejected the unfounded assertions made in the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report published on May 4, 2025, stressing that the allegations neither reflect facts on the ground nor respect Sarawak’s laws, and even deliberately excluded clarifications provided by the Department.
The report, entitled “Facing the Bulldozers, Iban Indigenous Resistance to the Timber Industry in Sarawak, Malaysia”, was described by FDS as misleading, inaccurate, and dismissive of Sarawak’s established legal framework for forest management.
“Even the narrative of the background story is not accurate. For instance, one Jefferey is from Rumah Phillip, not Rumah Mawang as described by the report,” FDS said in a statement today.
FDS categorically denied the claims made in the report, clarifying that investigations had confirmed the incidents highlighted involved individuals and groups who encroached into legally gazetted Forest Reserves.
“These Forest Reserves have been gazetted in September 1937, in accordance with Sarawak laws to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable management of the State’s forest resources.
“Any unauthorised occupation or clearing within these reserves is illegal. Enforcement actions taken by the Forest Department are directed towards sustainably managing the areas free from encroachment and degradation, not against legitimate or lawful communities,” it said.
The Department further stressed that HRW appeared to be acting on behalf of an individual rather than representing the collective voices of local communities in Ulu Anap. Such actions, FDS warned, risk creating conflict among communities from the same origins.
Reiterating that any legitimate land claims must be pursued through proper legal channels under the Land Code (Cap.81, 1958 Ed.), FDS expressed concern that HRW had deliberately ignored its clarifications.
Instead, the report presented “distorted narratives and unfounded allegations” that demonstrated disregard for Sarawak’s laws, regulations, and cultural systems that govern the people.
On the issue of non-certification of adjacent forest plantations, FDS noted that this matter lies beyond the Sarawak’s control as it is governed by cut-off dates set under international standards.
“If Human Rights Watch insists on the certification of forest plantations in Sarawak, then we urge them to support the extension of this cut-off date. Without such action, their demands are neither practical nor fair,” it said.
The Department underscored Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring that forest plantations achieve international recognition and certification, but stressed that this can only be achieved within an equitable global framework.
FDS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, good governance, and the upholding of community rights, highlighting that its policies and enforcement actions are consistent with Sarawak’s laws and Malaysia’s broader commitments to sustainable development and the protection of indigenous rights.
“We continue to engage with local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that forest management is inclusive, fair, and beneficial for all, with a proper and systematic process in place to prevent social instability,” the statement said.
Accordingly, FDS firmly rejected the HRW report and reiterated its mission to protect Sarawak’s forests for present and future generations. — DayakDaily
