Save Rivers Rebuts For Profit Company Label In Lawsuit Vs Sarawak Govt

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Civil society organisation Save Rivers has criticised Sarawak authorities for describing it as a for-profit company masquerading as an NGO.
This comes amid an ongoing judicial review challenging the issuance of timber licenses in Baram.
The group described the actions of the Sarawak Forest Department as an “abhorrent misrepresentation” and urged government agencies to respect the judicial process instead of discrediting community partners through misinformation.
“It is troubling that FDS chose to attack Save Rivers, which is not a party to the judicial review, but merely submitted an affidavit in support of the Penan applicants. Such statements, made while the matter is before the courts, risk undermining due process and could be regarded as sub judice.
ADS“Instead of misdirecting public attention, the department should engage constructively with indigenous communities and respect their constitutional right to seek redress through the courts,” it said.
Yesterday, the Dayak Daily reported that the Miri High Court heard a judicial review filed by several individuals against FDS, the Sarawak natural resources and urban development minister, and the Sarawak government.
Sarawak legislative assemblyAccording to the report, the respondents argued that the judicial review was attributed by Save Rivers Sdn Bhd as a deponent, described as “a private limited company with profitable motives, self-proclaiming to be an NGO”.
The respondents urged NGOs and foreign activists to cease protesting against developments in Ulu Baram, claiming that the Penan community had already voiced support for these projects.
They also claimed that timber licenses were issued “to meet urgent community needs” and that requests for development projects had come directly from residents.
Group rejects logging-for-infrastructure solution
Save Rivers refuted these claims by arguing that issuing timber licenses in over-logged areas should not be seen as a solution to address rural infrastructure needs.
“After 62 years of Malaysia’s formation, it is not acceptable that rural indigenous communities must still rely on the destruction of their forest by logging companies in return for basic infrastructure.
True development should not come at the expense of indigenous rights or environmental destruction,” it said.
The judicial review against the issuing of timber licenses comes after the termination of the Ulu Baram Forest Area (UBFA) Project last year, which involved Save Rivers and its foreign partners. High Court judge Dean Wayne Daly has fixed Oct 30, 2025, to deliver his decision.
The group affirmed that it will continue to stand firm with indigenous and local communities in Sarawak.
“Since its inception, Save Rivers has worked directly with indigenous and local communities across Sarawak to defend their rights, protect their forests, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
“The organisation is registered as a private limited company and this legal form does not change our nature or purpose: we are a non-profit entity dedicated to community service, not profit-making,” it said. - Mkini

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