MIRI, Dec 17 2025: The High Court here has dismissed the application for Judicial Review filed by eleven indigenous individuals against the director of Forests, Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development and Sarawak government.
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Caption: A group of indigenous community outside the court giving their support to the development initiatives in Baram area
In delivering the decision yesterday, Judge Dean Wayne Daly said that the applicants had failed to prove locus standi that they were adversely affected in real and genuine interest by the issuance of the logging licence in Ulu Baram area.
The court further found that the applicants had failed to adduce evidence in support of their allegations that the issuance of the logging licence to Borneoland Timber Resources Sdn Bhd was illegal, procedurally improper or unreasonable.
Accordingly, the court’s decision confirms that the decision of the director of Forests, with the approval of the minister to issue the licence was made in accordance with the Forests Ordinance 2015, rational and in compliance with procedural requirements.
“The court ruling in favour of the Forest Department affirms that our actions were lawful and proper. Local communities, especially the Penan, are increasingly aware that external influences or NGOs have hindered development in Baram area,” said Hamden Mohammad, the director of Forests.
Communities from Ulu Baram area, including Ba Data Bila, were also seen gathering in front of the court complex holding banners in support that also displayed photographs showing recent developments and infrastructure currently under construction in the Ulu Baram area.
This clearly demonstrates that local communities fully support development initiatives in Ulu Baram area.
The Judicial Review application filed in January 2025 have been supported by individuals and organisation including SAVE RIVERS and KERUAN as they have filed affidavit in support for this proceeding.
They have been seen to take advantage of this proceeding to pursue with their agenda and crave international attention including from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Switzerland.
