Malaysia: company illegally fells trees – and faces Indigenous justice

“The interventions have caused significant and irreversible damage to the environment,” says Matek Geram of the Indigenous organization SADIA. Large areas of forest have been cleared, old trees felled, and the ecological integrity of the Rumah Juil community’s protected area severely compromised.

The extent of the destruction clearly points to deliberate, systematic logging rather than accidental encroachment.

With the support of Matek Geram, the Rumah Juil community sent a protest letter to the Sarawak state forestry authority on 1/20/2026. At its center was a map of the logging activities prepared by SADIA. Indigenous people have lived in the area for generations under customary law, using it and protecting it. The forest provides them with a livelihood, food, and medicine. It is a hunting ground and home to sacred sites.

Just three days later, the authority confirmed in writing that Junan Wood Logging Company Sdn. Bhd. has no permit for logging or any other work in the mapped area.

Without SADIA’s mapping, the authorities would have done nothing.

In Matek Geram’s view, the company was after “high-quality timber for export”. Because the rights and customs of the community, as well as forest and environmental laws, have been violated, the company will be brought to justice under Iban customary law.

Under Dayak law, or “Ukum Adat”, Junan Wood must make full restitution.

It must provide a sow that has given birth seven times and a Dayak sword (Parang Ilang). It must also provide a rooster and additional items for the Miring ceremony, a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual ritual. In total, the damages have been stated as the equivalent of around 2,200 euros.