(Seated from right) Stanley, Abang Mohamad Porkan, Gira, Awang Tengah, Edwin, Anyi and Awang Zamhari in a group photo with the recipients.

SIBU (April 16): A total of 133 native customary rights (NCR) landowners and 365 individuals in the Sibu Division received land titles and compensation cheques totalling RM6.79 million today.

The ceremony, held at the University Technology Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud Chancellor’s Hall, saw the 133 NCR landowners from Igu Tamin and Pasai Siong, designated as Block 20 and 21, receive 157 individual land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.

Meanwhile, the 365 individuals received compensation cheques for three infrastructure projects, namely the construction of the access road to transmission line under Baleh-Mapai 500KV Overhead Transmission Line; the road construction to Rumah Jingga, David Multifarm, Rumah Seli, Rumah Guang and Sungai Singat; and the upgrading of the Salim Treatment Plant.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan presented the land titles and compensation cheques.

In his speech, he said the issuance of the land title was implemented under the New Initiative for NCR Land Survey Programme.

“A total of 1.19 million hectares of land had been surveyed as of Feb 28 this year. From that total, 935,760 hectares had been gazetted as Bumiputera communal reserves.

“In addition, over 98,000 individual lots have been successfully surveyed and more than 32,000 lots have been issued land titles.

“The land titles were issued free of charge, tax-free, without premium payments and in perpetuity status,” he said.

He assured the state government would continue the NCR land survey programme, and the government guarantees the people’s rights of their land.

“As long as the NCR land claimant can prove their valid ownership according to the law, this NCR land measurement does not charge any fees,” he said.

Thus, he urged NCR landowners to have their land surveyed under the programme not just to recognise their ownership, but also for the benefit of the future generation.

He also emphasised the land acquired for government projects will be compensated accordingly based on current assessment in accordance with the Sarawak Land Code and Federal Constitution.

Also present were Land and Survey Department (LSD) director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood, Sibu LSD superintendent Chua Soh Kee, Selangau MP Edwin Banta, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana, Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sarawak Development Office director Jasni Jubli and Temenggong Stanley Geramong.