Indigenous groups march on Miri court seeking customary rights protection

Indigenous communities across Sarawak staged a coordinated show of solidarity in Miri, marshalling some 300 participants to press their case for enhanced protection of customary rights. The march, which descended on the courthouse, represented one of the largest gatherings of native groups in the region in recent months.

The assembly brought together representatives from eight districts spanning Sarawak's interior and coastal regions. Participants travelled from Marudi, Baram, Niah, Belaga, Bintulu, Sibu and Kuching alongside local Miri-based groups, underscoring the breadth of concern regarding indigenous land and cultural protections across the state.

The demonstration reflected persistent tensions over customary land rights in Sarawak, where indigenous communities have long sought greater recognition and legal standing for traditional territorial claims. The gathering highlighted the need for coherent state policy addressing the concerns of native groups whose claims often conflict with commercial logging, agricultural development and other economic activities.

Indigenous rights advocates have repeatedly called for legislative reforms to strengthen customary land recognition and provide communities with meaningful consultation rights on projects affecting their territories. The Miri courthouse march underscored the urgency indigenous groups attach to these demands as pressure on traditional lands continues to mount across the state.