Two Penan men from Long Tepen, Semali Sait, 57, and Christopher Jau, 52, have pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court to charges they described as unfounded, relating to alleged trespass within the Telang Usan protected forest.
The charges, brought under Section 26 of the Forest Ordinance 2015 (Cap 71), were read before Judge Afidah Abdul Rahman.
In addition, Jau faces a separate charge under Section 103(1) of the same ordinance, alleging obstruction of public officers – an allegation he strongly denies.
Both accused were represented by lawyer Roland Engan.
During the proceedings on 26 November, the defendants denied the allegations, stating that at the time of the incident, they were merely standing by the roadside seeking internet coverage.
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“We were just talking and resting by the roadside when the officers approached us. I did not engage in any of the actions alleged,” Christopher said, rejecting the claim that he had obstructed any public officer.
Both men expressed confidence that the accusations were baseless and voiced hope for a fair judicial process.
The court fixed pre-trial case management for 4 March 2026, with the trial scheduled for 14–16 December 2026.
Semali and Christopher were originally detained by Miri forest officers on 28 June, while standing by the roadside at the location where the alleged offences were said to have taken place.
More than 30 Penan community representatives travelled to Miri to accompany and support the two men during the hearing. – Keruan/Bruno Manser Fonds
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