By Shikin Louis
ASAJAYA, April 21: While celebrating the distribution of land titles in Kampung Moyan Laut here today, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, warned villagers not to risk losing their newly issued land to ‘Ah Long’ (loan sharks).
Speaking during the handover of 66 land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code to local landowners, Abdul Karim who also serves as Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, reminded recipients that while having legal ownership brings security, it can also open the door to irresponsible borrowing.
“Some people get excited when they receive a title, but forget that it can be used as collateral.
“If you go to the bank without a title, you’ll be rejected. But if you have one, even Ah Long will come knocking,” he said during the ceremony.
Abdul Karim further expressed concern over rising cases of residents losing their land after using it to secure short-term loans for items such as motorcycles or cars—only to be unable to repay due to high interest rates.
“I’m worried because many have lost their land this way. They take a small loan, and when they can’t pay it back, the land gets transferred to a third party—or to Ah Long.
“So I urge everyone—protect your land, don’t give it away so easily,” he added.
The land titles issued today were part of the Sarawak Land and Survey Department’s initiative to formally recognise traditional village lots.
A total of 57 recipients received their titles, which are issued for free under Section 18, with all survey fees, premiums, and taxes fully borne by the Sarawak government.
“This is the most favourable type of land title in Sarawak. It comes at no cost to the recipient and offers perpetual ownership—so long as the moon and stars are in the sky, the land remains yours,” he explained.
However, he reminded the public that land under Section 18 can still be acquired by the government under Section 47 or 48 of the Land Code for public purposes—provided fair compensation is paid.
He also acknowledged the long wait that many villages across Sarawak face in getting their land surveyed.
“With over 5,000 kampungs in the State, we can’t process everything overnight.
“But if your kampung hasn’t been surveyed yet, be patient. Submit a proper application through your community leaders, and your time will come,” he emphasised.
At the same time, Abdul Karim—who is also the Asajaya assemblyman—praised the Land and Survey Department for processing Kampung Moyan Laut’s application within a little over two years, which he noted is relatively fast compared to some areas that have waited up to 15 years.
As of today, the department has surveyed 58,194 traditional village lots statewide, with 52,915 of them already issued with land titles. — DayakDaily
