By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 20: The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 will significantly strengthen Sarawak’s ability to tackle unlawful land occupation and encroachment through tougher enforcement powers and higher penalties, said Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang (GPS-PRS).
“Effective governance is underpinned by robust enforcement, and this Bill significantly strengthens our capacity in this domain,” Nyabong said during the debate on the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 at the first meeting of the fourth session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) at the DUS Complex here today.
He pointed out that the revised and substantially increased penalties for offences such as unlawful land occupation, encroachment, and unauthorised resource extraction demonstrate Sarawak’s renewed commitment to uphold the integrity of its land laws.
“These offenses are no longer treated lightly. They are recognised for the serious threats they pose to Sarawak’s legal order and resource sustainability,” he stressed.
Nyabong also highlighted that the amendment extends enforcement powers to cover the full spectrum of land-related offences under the Land Code.
“This equips the Land and Survey Department with the necessary authority to safeguard Sarawak’s land interests more effectively,” he said.
“The inclusion of provisions for asset seizure and enhanced eviction powers represents a decisive move to address long-standing encroachment issues in several parts of the State.”
However, he noted that giving legal tools alone is not enough — effective implementation requires corresponding resources on the ground.
“These expanded powers must be supported by a corresponding restructuring and strengthening of our enforcement apparatus,” he urged.
“The amendments rightly acknowledge the need for increased manpower and improved operational capacity to ensure that these legal tools can be implemented effectively.”
Nyabong fully supported the amendment, calling it essential for responsible and sustainable land governance in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
