By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Nov 13: Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has called for the land encroachment issue in Asajaya to be resolved outside of court.
Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, disclosed that he has reached out to lawyers representing both parties involved.
“I am aware of what happened, and I believe we should not only advise the residents but also examine the government’s role in this matter.
“How was the lease term for the land extended? Especially considering that several houses and a surau have been built on the land allegedly encroached upon,” he said.
He made these remarked when interviewed after launching the Sarawak Youth Startup 2024 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex today.
Tan Khi Mong, 67, the registered owner of the 1.901-hectare plot in Asajaya, discovered that 10 homes and a surau had been constructed on his property without his permission.
Tan purchased the land, classified as “mixed-zone land”, in 2014 and became aware of the encroachment around March 12, 2023.
He subsequently lodged a police report on May 2, 2023.
On the advice of the Land and Survey Department, Tan, through Chong Brothers, filed an Originating Summons in the High Court yesterday (Nov 12), seeking vacant possession of the property.
