By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Nov 22: Some 161 landowners in the Batu Kawa Resettlement Scheme have yet to apply and submit applications for their land premium refund which deadline has been extended to Dec 31.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian pointed out that the deadline for land premium refund applications has been extended as there were still many eligible landowners under the resettlement or village extension programme have not yet submit their applications.
“For Batu Kawa, only 467 resettlement scheme landowners have received their refund and 161 more landowners from the resettlement scheme in Phase One, Two and Three have not yet apply for this refund,” he told a press conference at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Batu Kawa Service Centre, today.
On Nov 12, the state government has extended the deadline for land premium refund applications from Oct 31 to Dec 31 this year due to the number of eligible landowners who have not submitted their claims.
To expedite the process of application, Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, said eligible landowners can go to the SUPP Batu Kawah Service Centre to get help.
“They must bring along necessary documents like photocopy of identity card, probate letter (if deceased) and identity card of the administrator (of Estate of the deceased landowner), payment receipts, the first page of the bank account number and land title to help in the applications for the claimants,” he reminded.
He added that in Stampin Resettlement Scheme, 97 landowners have yet to apply for the refund while at Sungai Apong Resettlement Scheme 33 landowners.
“These people can get assistance at SUPP service centre in their areas,” he urged.
In May 2018, the Sarawak government had announced a reduction of up to 50 per cent on land premiums from RM5,000 to RM2,500, in an effort to assist the people especially the low income groups to mitigate the rising cost of living.
Those who have overpaid their land premiums can apply for refunds from the Land and Survey Department.
On Nov 12, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan revealed that about 1,985 lots that are eligible for land premium refund applications have not come forward to apply for the refund.
The land premium refunds amounted to RM43.4 million for 7,174 land titles.
Political secretary to the Chief Minister Tan Kai was present.— DayakDaily
