KUCHING: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has rejected allegations in a recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, calling them inaccurate and misleading.
In response to the report entitled ‘Facing the Bulldozers, Iban Indigenous Resistance to the Timber Industry in Sarawak, Malaysia’ published on May 4, 2025, the department said the report contained misleading claims, including errors in the background narrative.
“For instance, one Jefferey is from Rumah Phillip, not Rumah Mawang as described by the report,” it clarified.
FDS stressed that the allegations did not reflect the facts on the ground and investigations showed that the incidents highlighted in the report involved individuals and groups who had encroached into legally gazetted Forest Reserves.
“These Forest Reserves were gazetted as early as September 1937 under Sarawak laws to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable management of the State’s forest resources,” it said.
FDS said that any unauthorised occupation or clearing within the reserves is illegal.
Enforcement actions, it added, were carried out to protect the areas from encroachment and degradation, and not against legitimate or lawful communities.
“Furthermore, HRW is acting on behalf of an individual and not the local communities of Ulu Anap. This kind of action will create conflict among the local communities that come from the exact origin,” it said.
It added that any legitimate land claims must be pursued through the proper legal channels in accordance with the relevant laws.
“It is deeply concerning that, despite our response, the report deliberately excluded our clarifications,” it said, while adding that the department consistently upholds the provisions of the Land Code (Cap.81 (1958 Ed.) in addressing community claims.
Instead, FDS said what has been presented are distorted narratives and unfounded allegations that demonstrate a disregard for Sarawak’s laws, regulations, and the cultural and social systems that govern its people.
On the issue of non-certification of adjacent forest plantations, FDS said this was beyond the control of the State as it was subject to cut-off date established by 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 stressed that Sarawak remains committed to ensuring forest plantations meet global certification standards, but this can only be achieved through a fair international framework.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, good governance and community rights, FDS said its policies are aligned with Sarawak laws and Malaysia’s wider commitments towards sustainable development and the protection of indigenous rights.
“We continue to engage with local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure forest management is inclusive, fair and beneficial for all, with a proper and systematic process in place to prevent social instability,” it said.
FDS also reaffirmed its mission to protect Sarawak’s forests for present and future generations, while firmly rejecting what it described as “unfounded assertions” made in the HRW’s report.
