This is in response for the recent press release issued by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) published in the Dayak Daily article on 4th September.
FDS’s counsel has falsely accused that SAVE Rivers is “a private limited company with profitable motives, self-proclaiming to be an NGO.” This is an abhorrent misrepresentation for a government agency to spew in the face of the public.
SAVE Rivers is a grassroot, Indigenous-led non-profit organisation based in Miri, Sarawak, established in 2011. It is led and staffed by local Indigenous peoples and has consistently been recognised as one of the leading voices for Indigenous rights in Sarawak. The organisation is registered as a private limited company and this legal form does not change our nature or purpose: we are a non-profit entity dedicated to community service, not profit-making.
Since its inception, SAVE Rivers has worked directly with Indigenous and local communities across Sarawak to defend their rights, protect their forests, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Our work ranges from grassroots initiatives in kampongs to partnerships with regional and international institutions on sustainable development, climate solutions, just energy transition, and responsible business and human rights. At the core of all these efforts are the communities themselves—our closest partners and the reason for our existence.
It is troubling that FDS chose to attack SAVE Rivers, which is not a party to the Judicial Review but merely submitted an affidavit in support of the Penan applicants. Such statements, made while the matter is before the courts, risk undermining due process and could be regarded as sub-judice. A government department should respect the judicial process rather than attempt to discredit community partners through public mischaracterisation.
Equally troubling is FDS’s claim that issuing timber licences is a solution to address rural infrastructure needs in Ulu Baram. After 62 years of Malaysia’s formation, it is not acceptable that rural Indigenous communities must still rely on destruction of their forest by logging companies in return for basic infrastructure. True development should not come at the expense of Indigenous rights or environmental destruction.
Accusations that SAVE Rivers is “profiting” from its work are baseless. To put matters in perspective: the monthly revenue generated by timber extraction in the contested areas exceeds more than 40 years of SAVE Rivers’ modest annual budget. The real profits are clearly being made by timber corporations, not by grassroots organisations standing with communities.
That FDS feels compelled to target SAVE Rivers—a non-party to the Judicial Review—reveals a deeper anxiety about the legality and legitimacy of its own actions. Instead of misdirecting public attention, the department should engage constructively with Indigenous communities and respect their constitutional right to seek redress through the courts.
SAVE Rivers will not be intimidated. We will continue to stand firm with Indigenous and local communities in Sarawak to defend their rights, protect their forests, and pursue a sustainable and just future for all.
