HU Editor

An interim injunction has been granted to Numpang Anak Suntai and 13 other Plaintiffs representing 15 Iban longhouse communities in upper Sebangan in Simunjan, Sarawak, ordering Quality Concrete Holdings Bhd and its contractor Loyal Billion Sdn Bhd to stop logging, land clearing and other related activities over a logging licensed area, the timber licence allegedly renewed under questionable circumstances.

Holder of the timber licence T/8473, Quality Concrete is substantially owned by Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s sister, Roziah. Another two of Taib’s family members also have shares in the company.

The longhouse communities are claiming native customary rights to the land. The 15 villages are proprietors, occupiers, holders and claimants of NCR lands surrounding Kampung Entanggor, Ensika, Lumut, Arus Dayak, Tongkah Dayak, Tongkah Dayak Lubuk Manta, Tongkah Dayak Atas, Tongkah Dayak Rumah Panjai, Lunying, Belimbing Besi, Ketimbong and Bajong Ili, Bajong Ili Atas, Bajong Ili Tengah, Bajong Ili Baruh, located about three hours’ drive from Kuching.

An ex parte interim injunction was earlier issued by the High Court in Kuching on 18.01.2011.

Granting the interim injunction this morning, the High Court ordered that the villagers are not to fell trees in the timber licensed area for any commercial or business purposes.

The Interim injunction is to be effective until the final disposal of this case. Trial has been scheduled for a week commencing on 8th August 2011.

See Chee How and Desmond Kho of Baru Bian Advocates and Solicitors are counsels for the Plaintiffs. Liew Tang Chieh of Tang and Partners Advocates represents the companies while Joseph Chioh of the state Attorney-General’s Chambers represents the Director of Forests and the state government