KUCHING, May 5: Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen has highlighted a case involving a Batu Kawa resident whose land was allegedly ‘split in two’ by a government road and drainage.
Chong said the land was originally rectangular and the government had built a road and drainage right across the middle of the private land.
However, he claimed, the government had not taken any action to compensate the landowner, who later sought Chong’s help on legalities.
“Although the landowner had brought up the issue to a local councilor, the issue unfortunately remained unsolved and was not properly dealt with.
“With no choice, the landowner contacted me today for my help,” said Chong in a statement today.
In his opinion, Chong welcomes any road and drainage projects that can benefit the people, but he urged the government to pay reasonable compensation to the affected landowners.
“This is specifically stated in the Federal Constitution that people’s property rights are guaranteed.
“We will continue to assist the landowner in filing a claim with the authorities, or suggest the government to consider construction a new road and drainage next to the land owner’s land,” he said.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman, strongly urge the authorities to respect the people’s land rights before implementing any development projects. — DayakDaily
