KUCHING: The Sarawak government has been urged to consult the local community before designating an area in Ulu Trusan as a protected forest, says a backbencher.
Baru Bian (GPS-Ba'Kelalan) raised concerns over a third attempt to gazette the Ulu Trusan Protected Forest after earlier bids in 2015 and 2022 were suspended following strong opposition from the affected community.
He said the regional forest officer in Limbang issued a memorandum on July 21 this year directing the publication of a gazette to initiate the process for the proposed declaration of the protected forest.
On Sept 24, Baru submitted a petition with 2,257 signatures to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg requesting the withdrawal of the gazette.
"What troubles me is the absence of prior consultations with the community before issuing the memorandum.
"This disregard for consultation is alarming, especially in light of clear assurances provided to me in 2022 during a meeting with the Premier and relevant agencies, where it was promised that consultations would precede any future proposals," he said when debating the state budget in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (Nov 26).
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Baru said the vast area proposed for the protected forest would restrict the local community's ability to continue their traditional way of life.
He said the proposal posed a threat to their native customary rights, which had been practised for generations, as well as their livelihood and cultural heritage.
"The Lun Bawang community relies heavily on the forest for sustenance. Activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering jungle produce are vital to our existence.
"The forest is not merely a resource, it is the heart of our cultural heritage. Without access to these resources, our rich traditions face the risk of being lost to future generations," he said.
Baru said the community supported the aim of environmental preservation, but this must be balanced with their needs.
He also noted that the state Forest Ordinance provided avenues for recognising community rights and privileges.
"Therefore, I urge the government to commit to facilitating an inclusive and transparent consultation process with our community regarding their ancestral lands and forests.
"The people are ready to engage in dialogue and, as their representative, I am duty-bound to ensure their voices are heard," he added.
