In a new report, “Facing the Bulldozers: Iban Indigenous Resistance to the Timber Industry in Sarawak, Malaysia,” Human Rights Watch (HRW) paints a stark picture of the ongoing struggle between the Iban Indigenous community and the timber industry in Sarawak. The report, released on May 4, 2025, documents the severe impact of logging activities on the Iban community of Rumah Jeffery, highlighting the broader issues of Indigenous rights and environmental degradation.
Rumah Jeffery, an Iban community nestled deep within the rainforest of Sarawak, is home to approximately 60 members who live in a traditional longhouse along the Belawit River. “The forest is a cornerstone of Rumah Jeffery’s identity as a community,” the report states. “Rumah Jeffery residents commune with forest spirits, and they carefully maintain their ancestors’ burial grounds in the forest,” and engage in activities such as foraging for edible plants, harvesting fruit trees, setting fish traps, and hunting.
However, the community’s way of life has been under threat due to the activities of Zedtee Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Malaysian timber giant Shin Yang Group. The Sarawak government granted Zedtee a lease to establish a timber plantation that overlaps with Rumah Jeffery’s territory. This lease allows for the clearing of natural forest to make way for a tree farm, significantly disrupting the community’s access to their ancestral lands. “The company felled valuable fruit trees the community had cared for and harvested for decades, resulting overall in the loss of nearly eight hectares of tree cover in 2022,” according to the report.
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Zedtee’s operations have proceeded without the free, prior, and informed consent of the Iban community, HRW said. This lack of consent has led to encroachment and harassment, with community members reporting instances of intimidation and threats from company representatives. The logging activities have not only caused environmental damage but have also undermined the community’s ability to sustain their traditional practices and livelihoods.
Human Rights Watch emphasizes the legal and ethical obligations of the Sarawak government and the timber industry to respect Indigenous land rights. The report calls for immediate action to halt the logging activities and to ensure that any future operations are conducted with the full consent of the affected communities. It also urges the Malaysian government to recognize and formalize the land rights of Indigenous communities, providing them with the necessary legal protections against such encroachments.
The report’s findings highlight the broader issue of Indigenous rights in Malaysia, where many communities face similar challenges in protecting their lands from industrial exploitation. It underscores the need for a more inclusive and respectful approach to development, one that prioritizes the rights and voices of Indigenous peoples.
The report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities and the urgent need for systemic change to protect their rights and preserve their way of life. The Iban community’s resistance against the timber industry is emblematic of a larger fight for justice and environmental sustainability in Malaysia.
