RANAU: The Bundu Tuhan community has lodged a formal complaint with the Ranau Native Court seeking an investigation into an alleged unauthorised entry into a sensitive area of Mount Kinabalu and the dissemination of images and location information.
Bundu Tuhan Traditional Literature Organisation (Itisundu) chairman and Mosinggu Warisan dan Kebudayaan Bundu Tuhan chairman Adrian Soidi said the complaint, dated Sept 27, was submitted to ensure the community’s customary knowledge and position regarding areas it considers sacred were formally heard.
He said the matter involved an individual identified as Mauro Persic, who the community believed had entered parts of the Mount Kinabalu mountain area without following the customary procedures and permissions, with publicly shared information later identifying locations including Red Rocks Peak, Mesilau Peak and Phallus Peak.
Adrian said the community regarded Gayongaran as an area of particular customary significance, including in relation to traditional knowledge and the Monolob customary ceremony, and wanted any alleged violation to be investigated and, if proven to fall within the jurisdiction of the Native Court, dealt with according to customary law and procedures.
He said the community was also seeking clearer mechanisms for customary consultation, protection of sensitive location information and long-term protection for areas of customary importance, including consideration of community consent for certain activities and structures around Mount Kinabalu.
