The Miri-based timber company said it had received a formal notice from the FSC regarding a complaint lodged by a coalition of civil society organisations.

It added that it would facilitate a dispute resolution as suggested by the FSC, adding that it will also cooperate with the FSC through “proactive and transparent dialogue”.

“Samling welcomes FSC’s initiative as an opportunity to address and refute the numerous allegations and misinformation that have been made against the company by irresponsible parties once and for all,” it said in a statement.

Concerning allegations made against Samling entities that are not FSC-certified, the company stressed that all its companies comply and adhere to the relevant laws and regulations, adding that they are also committed to operating sustainably.

“The accusation of alleged unacceptable activities conducted by these companies are unfounded. Samling has on numerous occasions readily submitted clear evidence and clarifications to its stakeholders and the press to address this misinformation,” it said.

Samling and a group of civil society organisations have been at loggerheads recently.

A coalition of 167 civil society organisations had previously urged the company to withdraw its lawsuit against an NGO, SAVE Rivers, and its board for defamation. The case is scheduled to be heard in Miri on May 15.

The company is suing SAVE Rivers for alleged defamatory statements about consultations of local communities under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme.

It is seeking an apology, an injunction to stop the NGO from reporting community claims, and RM5 million in damages.