By Simon Peter
KUCHING, October 4, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) clarified that its planned visit to Ba Data Bila in Ulu Baram is unrelated to and separate from the judicial review proceedings currently held before the Miri High Court.
It said that its investigation in Ulu Baram was initiated following complaints received by its Sarawak Office regarding alleged human rights violations.
“This is in line with Section 14(1) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, which empowers Suhakam to investigate complaints relating to human rights.
“In this regard, Section 12(3) of the same Act is not applicable in this case. The investigation aims to gather views from multiple stakeholders to ensure fairness and balance,” it said in a statement when clarifying a news report carried by Utusan Sarawak on October 2, quoting Sarawak Forestry Department as saying.
Suhakam said on the postponement of its visit to Ba Data Bila, prior notice of the intended
meeting and investigative visit was formally communicated to the village headman of Ba Data Bila through an official letter.
It added copies of this letter were also furnished to the Long Lama Sub-District Office and the Telang Usan District Office.
“Initially, the village headman of Ba Data Bila expressed no objection to Suhakam’s visit.
“However, before the scheduled date, he requested for the visit to be deferred until after the
conclusion of the judicial review proceedings before the Miri High Court on October 30, 2025,” it said, adding that it respected and acceded to the request.
It reiterated that its visit to Ulu Baram is solely related to complaints of human rights violations received by its Sarawak Office and does not concern or interfere with the subject matter of any ongoing court proceedings.
It said it will continue to engage with relevant agencies to ensure that the issues raised are
addressed comprehensively and effectively.
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