by Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 26: The proposed gazettement of the Ulu Trusan area as a protected forest threatens the very survival of the Lun Bawang community, who depend on the forest for food, shelter, and cultural continuity, Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian told the Legislative Assembly today.
Debating the Supply Bill 2026, Baru said the forest is a necessity rather than a luxury for his constituents, forming the foundation of their daily life and traditional economy.
He stressed that the Lun Bawang community relies on hunting, fishing, and the gathering of jungle produce for sustenance, while timber from the forest is used for house construction and firewood. Other forest resources are essential for weaving traditional items, a practice closely tied to their identity and way of life.
“Restricting access to these resources would directly undermine livelihoods, particularly for remote communities with limited alternatives, and could push families into deeper economic vulnerability.
“The cultural significance of the forest is inseparable from the community’s heritage. Materials sourced from the forest are used to produce traditional attire and musical instruments, and any disruption to access would risk eroding customs passed down through generations,” he said.
He expressed disappointment that the government has revived the proposal despite similar attempts in 2015 and 2022 being halted following strong opposition and petitions from affected residents. The latest move followed the issuance of Gazette No. 283 in July 2025, which initiated the process to declare the Ulu Trusan area a protected forest.
According to Baru, a petition signed by 2,257 residents was submitted to the Premier in September calling for the gazette to be withdrawn. He said the community felt sidelined, arguing that consultation requirements under the Forest Ordinance 2015 were not properly observed.
While acknowledging the importance of environmental protection, Baru maintained that conservation efforts must not marginalise communities who have lived on and managed the land for generations. He urged the government to respect provisions under Sections 14 and 21 of the Forest Ordinance 2015, which allow for recognition of community rights and privileges, and to commit to a transparent and inclusive consultation process.
As the elected representative, he said, it was his duty to ensure that the voices of the Lun Bawang people are heard and that any decision concerning their ancestral forests reflects both environmental goals and the realities of their dependence on the land. —DayakDaily
