MIRI, Nov 28 2025: Two Penan men from Long Tepen, Semali Sait,57, and Christopher Jau, 52, have pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to charges relating to alleged trespassing within the Telang Usan Protected Forest (TUPF).
Lawyer Roland Engan with the Long Tepen community in front of court in Miri
The charges, brought under Section 26 of the Forest Ordinance 2015 (Cap. 71), were read before Judge Afidah Abdul Rahman.
In addition, Christopher faces a separate charge under Section 103(1) of the same ordinance, alleging obstruction of public officers.
Both accused were represented by lawyer Roland Engan, who is also PKR vice president.
During the proceedings on November 26, 2025, the defendants denied the allegations, stating that at the time of the incident they were merely standing by the roadside seeking internet coverage.
“We were just talking and resting by the roadside when the officers approached us. I did not engage in any of the actions alleged,” Christopher said, rejecting the claim that he obstructed any public officer.
Both men expressed confidence that the accusations were baseless and voiced hope for a fair judicial process.
The court fixed pre-trial case management for March 4, 2026, with the trial scheduled for December 14-16, 2026.
Semali and Christopher were originally detained by Miri forest officers on June 28 while standing by the roadside at the location where the alleged offences were said to have taken place.
More than 30 Penan community representatives travelled to Miri to accompany and support the two men during the hearing.
