In this paper previously unpublished field data from 25 ha of permanent sampling plots (PSPs) in Sabah, Malaysia, in four different forest reserves are analysed for mortality rates and basal area development. Field data of an observation length of 9 to 20 years were available. These data then form the basis of several benchmark tests for the evaluation of the individual-oriented tropical rain forest growth model FORMIND. A new version of the FORMIND is presented. The model in its version FORMIND1.1 includes enhanced submodels for mortality and tree growth. The model evaluation is focused on the model components for tree growth, competition and mortality. Data for tree recruitment were not available. Results show a good agreement between simulation and field data for the main output variables basal area and stem number indicating a reasonable behaviour of the model components we focused on. Furthermore the results show that differences in site conditions influence tree growth and mortality. Site characteristics should be included in the model in the future. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.