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KUCHING, July 20: The land returned to Sarawak by the federal government can now be developed to host facilities that would benefit the people such as for sports like velodrome, offices or other high-end infrastructure projects, instead of being left idle.
Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said this when welcoming the efforts made by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) technical committee for the return of 52 plots of land leased to the federal government.
“This land is of high economic value to Sarawak as they are mostly located in or near to urban areas.
“Instead of leaving them undeveloped, Sarawak can now put them to good use, considering that the State is currently experiencing vigorous development progress,” he said in a statement today.
The decision to return 52 plots of land to Sarawak and three to Sabah was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, following a recent meeting of the MA63 technical committee.
This move was in line with the unity government’s commitment to fulfilling key negotiation points concerning MA63, benefitting Sarawak and Sabah.
Sarawak had sought the return of a total of 219 plots of land now under federal control, while Sabah pressed for the return of five parcels under a renewed push for the agreement to be reviewed.
Fadillah explained that much of the land to be returned had been ceded to the federal government for various projects which never materialised.
Looking forward, Snowdan hopes the remaining undeveloped land acquired by the federal government and other outstanding issues relating to MA63 would be resolved in the future.
“Due credit should be given to DPM (Fadillah) and the team for their continuous efforts in realising the MA63 terms. The technical committee’s role is paramount,” he added. — DayakDaily
