High Court allows LKTS to withdraw suit against Bukit Kisi oil palm scheme participants

MIRI (Feb 25): The Miri High Court has allowed the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (LKTS) to withdraw its originating summons against about 100 participants of an oil palm planting scheme at Bukit Kisi along the Bekenu–Beluru Road near here.

The originating summons had sought a court order to evict the participants, who were occupying part of the land leased by the state to LKTS.

Judicial Commissioner Hamid Ismail granted the withdrawal after counsel for the participants indicated they had no objection, reflecting a mutual agreement among all parties to settle the matter.

With the court’s decision, the scheme participants can now continue their agricultural activities, pending any further legal developments concerning the land they currently occupy.

LKTS was represented by counsel Lydia Bedindang. Thirty-one participants were represented by counsel Roland Engan, while the remaining participants were represented by counsel Wendall Crocker.

Outside the courtroom, the situation was calm and orderly, with participants said to have welcomed the decision with relief.

Following the proceedings, Roland advised his clients to remain prepared for the possibility of LKTS refiling legal action in the future.