free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their
lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the
development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources.
Convention on Biological Diversity
Article 8(j):
Malaysia and the state of Sabah specifically, shall respect, preserve and
maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local
communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity and promote their wider application with
the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge, innovations
and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from
the utilization of such knowledge innovations and practices.
Article 10(c):
Malaysia and the state of Sabah specifically, shall protect and encourage
customary use of biological resources in accordance with traditional cultural
practices that are compatible with conservation or sustainable use
requirements.
2. Sabah State Laws
i.
Sabah Biodiversity Enactment - Section 9(1)(j): The Sabah
Biodiversity Centre shall establish or cause to be establish a system
for the protection of biological resources or associated relevant
knowledge so that the native and local communities shall, at all times
and in perpetuity, be the legitimate creators, users and custodian of
such knowledge, and shall collectively benefit from the use of such
knowledge.
30 | PRACTICES OF THE MURUT TAHOL IN ALUTOK, ULU TOMANI