Forest Dep’t denies discriminatory enforcement over timber seizure in Upper Baram

Confiscated wood in Ba Payau.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 14: Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has strongly refuted allegations of uneven or discriminatory enforcement of forestry laws following a recent enforcement action involving timber harvested in Upper Baram, Miri.

In a media release issued yesterday, the department stressed that all enforcement activities are carried out strictly in accordance with the Forests Ordinance and related rules and regulations, without bias towards any individual, community or commercial entity.

“The confiscation of timber in the incident was undertaken based on legal and regulatory requirements, and not targeted at the affected community or intended as a punitive measure,” it said.

This response came following a DayakDaily report highlighting concerns raised by native families in Ba Payau, who questioned the seizure of timber they claimed was harvested for subsistence use while commercial logging activities continued in the surrounding area.

FDS acknowledged the rights of indigenous communities to utilise forest resources for subsistence and traditional purposes.

However, it emphasised that such activities remain subject to regulatory procedures, including the requirement for permits and proper documentation to ensure sustainable forest management and prevent illegal extraction.

The department further clarified that commercial logging operations are governed under separate licensing frameworks, including environmental impact assessments, strict operational controls and continuous compliance monitoring.

“The Department rejects assertions that large-scale logging is permitted without oversight, while indigenous communities are penalised.

“Enforcement actions against commercial operators are also undertaken where violations are detected, and penalties are imposed in accordance with the law,” it added.

FDS said it remains committed to transparency, fairness and constructive engagement with local communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, and is prepared to provide further clarification on regulatory procedures to prevent misunderstandings in the future. — DayakDaily