KUCHING, OCT 18: Landowners of mixed zone land in Serian are crying foul over a purported land scam that is ‘occupying’ their rightful land.
The registered proprietors have found out that their land at Kampung Engbakang, at Mile 52 of the Kuching–Serian road near the Ta Ann Oil Palm Mill, have been cleared.
“They bought their land a few years ago and only found out that their lands were cleared and planted with oil palm and rubber trees recently,” Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen told a press conference today.
Upon checking, the landowners found out that some natives had allegedly claimed ownership of their lands, certified by their headman, to apply for the Agriculture Cepartment’s scheme for plantation. This was done even though the landowners are the rightful owners in the Land and Survey Department’s records.
One of the landowners, who only want to be identified as Low, said he owned 16 acres of land with a proper land title issued in 1964.
Chong had assisted the landowners to write to the Agriculture Department to seek for clarification three weeks ago but have yet to receive any reply.
He stressed that the state government has an obligation to reply to the public’s enquiries and questioned the proper procedures of approving applications for government schemes.
“When the (oil palm) fruits are ready for harvest, who will it belong to?” he asked. He also urged other landowners in the same area to check their land immediately and to contact him for assistance if necessary. — DayakDaily
