Baru Bian: Sarawak govt open to discussing proposed protected forest with Lun Bawang landowners

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) flanked by (from left) state Forest Department director Datuk Hamden Mohammad, Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Zaidi Mahdi, Ba'Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian and Sarawak Lun Bawang Association president Robin Lusong at the courtesy call on Friday (Feb 18).

KUCHING: The Sarawak government is willing to engage with Lun Bawang landowners affected by the proposed Ulu Trusan Protected Forest (UTPF) in Lawas, says Ba'Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian.

The Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) lawmaker said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg indicated the government's willingness to consult the people to determine the areas that needed to be excised and preserved as well as their native customary rights (NCR) over land.