KUCHING, Nov 26 2025: The Lun Bawang community strongly opposes a proposal to gazette “a significant area” in Ulu Trusan in Ba’Kelalan constituency as a protected forest, a government backbencher Baru Bian has said in the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) today.
However, he said the community is ready to engage in dialogue with the government, and as their representative, he is duty-bound to ensure their voices are heard.
“Sections 14 and 21 of the Forest Ordinance 2015 provide avenues for recognising community rights and privileges.
“Therefore, I urge the government to commit to facilitating an inclusive and transparent consultation process with our community regarding their ancestral lands and forests,” Baru, who is also the State Legislative Member (SLM) for Ba’Kekalan, said during the debate on the 2026 State Budget.
He noted that it is the government's third attempt to designate the area as Ulu Trusan Protected Forest.
He recalled that the initial proposal was made in May 2015, followed by a second attempt in February 2022, both of which faced strong opposition from the affected community.
“Petitions were submitted to both the former chief minister and the current Premier, leading to the suspension of those proposals,” he said, referring the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg.
“Thus, it is profoundly disappointing that we find ourselves in this position once again,” Baru said.
He noted that on July 21, the regional forest officer in Limbang issued a memorandum directing the district officer to publish Gazette No. 283 on the district office notice board in Lawas, initiating the process for the proposed declaration of the "Ulu Trusan Protected Forest."
He said on on behalf of the Lun Bawang community, he submitted a petition with over 2,257
signatures to the premier on September 24, 2025, requesting the immediate withdrawal of this Gazette.
“What troubles me is the absence of prior consultations with the community before issuing the memorandum.
“This disregard for consultation is alarming, especially in light of clear assurances provided to me in 2022 during a meeting with the premier and relevant agencies, where it was promised that
consultations would precede any future proposals.
“Had proper consultations been conducted, the authorities would have been acutely aware of the community's steadfast opposition to this designation,” he said. Adding that the vast land area proposed would severely restrict local people’s ability to continue their traditional way of life.
He said in their petition dated September 3 2025, they outlined their grievances regarding the
government's failure to adhere to the consultation requirements set forth in the Forest Ordinance 2015, leaving the Lun Bawang community feeling overlooked and marginalized.
He said their concerns include a loss of Native Customary Rights and Privileges, adding that the proposal threatens to extinguish their native customary rights and privileges, which they have upheld and practised for generations, prior to January 1, 1954.
“Our access to land and natural resources is essential to our survival, cultural identity, and heritage,” he said stating that Lun Bawang community relies heavily on the forest for sustenance.
He said activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering jungle produce are vital to their existence.
He said timber from the forest is used for construction and firewood, while they depend on various forest resources for weaving traditional items.
“Restrictions on access to these resources pose a direct threat to our families' livelihoods,” he said.
Baru said the forest is not merely a resource, but it is the heart of their cultural heritage, adding that the traditional attire and instruments are crafted from materials found in the forest.
“Without access to these resources, our rich traditions face the risk of being lost to future generations,” he added.
