JUDGMENT

Balia Yusof Wahi FCJ:

Introduction

[1] These five appeals arise from a claim made by the respondents representing the Kelabits, the Penans and the Lun Bawangs who are natives of Sarawak. The respondents are the six plaintiffs in the court below. As natives, they claim to have acquired and/or inherited customary rights over the areas of land from time immemorial. They sued the appellants on behalf of themselves and the three native groups named above.

[2] The appellant in Appeal No: 01-39-06-2015(Q), Ravenscourt Sdn Bhd, was the 1st defendant in the High Court, while Billion Venture Sdn Bhd the appellant in Appeal No: 01-43-06-2016(Q), was the 2nd defendant. The 3rd defendant was Limba Jaya Timber Sdn Bhd, the appellant in Appeal No: 0128-04-2015(Q). The 4th defendant was Kubang Sri Jaya Sdn Bhd, the appellant in Appeal No: 01-38-04-2015(Q). The appellants in Appeal No: 01-29-042015(Q), the Director of Forests Sarawak and State Government of Sarawak were the 5th and 6th defendants respectively in the High Court.