KUCHING, August 11: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today assured native customary land (NCR) owners that the state government would continue to help protect their interests, and this was why the Sarawak Land Code (SLC) was amended recently.
With reference to Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong’s request to get the Land and Survey Department (LSD) to quicken their work pace, Abang Johari said the amended bill enabled native communal land titles to be held in perpetuity.
“The amendment has also allowed the term ‘pemakai menoa’ (native territorial domain) and ‘pulau galau’ (communal forest reserve) to be recognised and given the force of law,” Abang Johari said at the launching of the 7th Bidayuh Cultural Symposium 2018 here.
He told those present that if proper perimeter survey or documentation had been done by the respective owners, LSD would issue the titles.
“Once you have the documents, then the land is yours. It is yours to do whatever you want with it. However, you must value your assets. Remember that money is powerful, but I know Bidayuhs are smart and they won’t simply sell off their land for quick money,” said Abang Johari.
Meanwhile, he thanked Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) for helping to conduct the NCR land perimeter survey and documentation. He recalled that DBNA’s initiative had also received strong approval from his predecessors: Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is currently the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, and the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem
“I do admit that DBNA has contributed a lot to the society. Many state policies are also the brainchild of DBNA,” he said. — DayakDaily
