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Samling wishes to clarify that the suit filed against SAVE Rivers was not in any way an attempt to prevent or hinder public participation in the certification process of our Forest Management Units. While we respect the concept of public participation in the certification process of our FMUs, we also reserve the right to defend our Group’s reputation against allegations that are defamatory in nature.

It is our contention that the allegations made by SAVE Rivers in articles carried in their official website beginning 23 June 2020, formed an incorrect and unfairly negative impression that Samling Group did not consult with local communities in the certification process...

We would also like to stress here that the suit filed against SAVE Rivers was an action of last resort after numerous attempts were made to reach out to SAVE Rivers director Peter Kallang to seek a more conciliatory resolution to the issue...