JOINT STATEMENT OF SAMLING PLYWOOD (MIRI) SDN BHD, SAMLING PLYWOOD (BARAMAS) SDN BHD AND SAVE RIVERS SDN BHD

This is the joint statement by Samling Plywood (Miri) Sdn Bhd and Samling Plywood (Baramas) Sdn Bhd (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Samling”), the Plaintiffs named in the claim filed at the Miri High Court and registered as Suit No. MYY- 23NCvC-1/6-2021 (‘the Suit’), and SAVE Rivers Sdn Bhd, Peter Jalong Kalang @ Peter N.J Kallang, Mark Bujang, Thomas Jalong Apoi and Caroline Mbang Nyurang (hereafter collectively referred to as ‘SAVE Rivers’), the Defendants named in the Suit, in relation to the publication of certain impugned articles on SAVE Rivers website.

Samling and Save Rivers have since reached an amicable resolution of the Suit.

The forest management certification with regard to the Gerenai FMU was awarded by SIRIM, the accredited certification agency recognized by MTCC, being the governing body developing and operating the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (“MTCS”) for sustainable forest management, endorsed by PEFC, based on the existing framework as prescribed in the MTCS. The existing framework in the MTCS involves consultation with local communities with a view to obtaining their free, prior and informed consent.

Samling maintains that their licensing and harvesting activities in Gerenai FMU and Pelutan FTLA are subject to monitoring and approval by the Sarawak authorities.

Both parties to the Suit agree that the welfare of the local community remain their priority. Samling welcomes constructive comments and feedback from the local community and Samling will be glad to engage with all relevant stakeholders for the betterment of the local community henceforth and into the future.

Signed:

Samling Plywood (Miri) Sdn Bhd

Samling Plywood (Baramas) Sdn Bhd (presently known as TreeOne MegaPellet Sdn Bhd)

Save Rivers Sdn Bhd

Peter Jalong Kalang @ Peter N.J. Kallang

Mark Bujang

Thomas Jalong Apoi

Caroline Mbang Nyurang