JOINT PRESS RELEASE by Keruan and Bruno Manser
Fonds
27 November 2025
MIRI, SARAWAK — Two
Penan men from Long Tepen, Semali Sait (57) and Christopher
Jau (52), pleaded not guilty today in the Sessions Court to
charges they described as unfounded, relating to alleged
trespass within the Telang Usan Protected Forest
(TUPF).
The charges, brought under Section 26 of
the Forest Ordinance 2015 (Cap. 71), were read before Judge
Afidah Abdul Rahman. In addition, Christopher 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 November 26,
2025, the defendants denied the allegations, stating that at
the time of the incident they were merely standing by the
roadside seeking internet coverage.
“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
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.
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