Sarawak committee lodges police report, demands suspension of 44,545ha Bakun Dam forest logging licence

Sarawak committee lodges police report, demands suspension of 44,545ha Bakun Dam forest logging licence



Tanah Adat & Lepuun Hulu Balui committee secretary Denis Hang Biland (2nd left) holds a copy of the police report at the Belaga post, while other committee members show photos of the affected area. — The Borneo Post pic

Friday, 26 Sep 2025 10:56 AM MYT


BELAGA, Sept 26 — The Tanah Adat & Lepuun Hulu Balui committee has filed a police report in strong opposition to a logging licence covering 44,545ha within the Bakun Dam catchment area.

The report was filed at 2.30pm yesterday at the Sungai Asap police post by committee secretary Denis Hang Bilang, 61, who represented seven affected villages: Uma Belor, Uma Lahanan, Uma Kelep, Uma Penan Talun, Uma Balui Liko, Uma Juman, and Uma Daro.

Denis stated that the licence, approved by the Sarawak Forest Department director to a company for timber activities and bamboo plantation activities, must be suspended immediately due to severe environmental and social consequences.

“We are demanding the suspension of the bamboo plantation licence (LPF/0056) as it has caused forest destruction, soil erosion, adverse impacts on the environment and the Bakun Dam itself,” he said in the report.


He also cited the loss of habitats for endangered species, unresolved Native Customary Rights (NCR) and land compensation issues, and potential breaches of legal and international commitments.

The police report aims to pressure the Sarawak Forest Department and other authorities to revoke the licence pending an independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a natural resources evaluation, and biodiversity audit.

The committee’s demands extend beyond the licence’s revocation.


They are calling off for official recognition of NCR and Native Territorial Domain (NTD), replacement land for areas submerged by the dam, the declaration of a permanent buffer zone around the Bakun Dam, and multi-stakeholder dialogues involving communities, government, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

An online petition titled “Stop the Destruction of Bakun Catchment Forest (LPF/0056) to Protect Biodiversity and Natives”, created on September 19, has gathered 94 verified signatures.

According to the petition, nearly 90 per cent of the forest will be cleared, with 53 per cent of runoff flowing directly into the Bakun Reservoir, threatening water quality, fisheries, and national energy security.

“We are against the licence given to Rich Venture Sdn Bhd (LPF/0056). We insist the licence be revoked because it breaches so many rules and considerations,” Denis said.

The committee has already sent an official letter to the Forest Department director, with a copy forwarded to the Sarawak Premier’s Office, requesting the licence’s suspension. — The Borneo Post