Forest Department Sarawak denies bias in Upper Baram timber enforcement

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

It said all enforcement actions were carried out strictly in accordance with the Forests Ordinance and related regulations, without bias towards any individual, community or commercial entity.

“The confiscation of timber in the recent incident was carried out based on legal and regulatory requirements, and was not targeted at the affected community nor intended as a punitive measure,” the department said in a statement.

FDS acknowledged the rights of indigenous communities to utilise forest resources for subsistence and traditional purposes, but stressed that such activities remained subject to regulatory procedures, including permits and documentation, to ensure sustainable forest management and prevent illegal extraction.

“Commercial logging operations are governed by separate licensing frameworks, environmental impact assessments and strict operational controls, and are subject to continuous monitoring and compliance audits,” it added.

The department also rejected assertions that large-scale logging was being permitted without oversight while indigenous communities are penalised, noting that enforcement action is taken against commercial operators when violations are detected, with penalties imposed in accordance with the law.

FDS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness and constructive engagement with local communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, and gave assurance that it was prepared to provide further clarification on regulatory procedures to prevent misunderstandings in the future.