Awang Tengah (front, second right) visits an exhibition booth at the Sarawak Land and Survey Innovation and Integrity Day 2025 in Kuching. — Ukas photo

KUCHING (Aug 23): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has underscored innovation and integrity as two crucial thrusts in strengthening Sarawak’s land management, in line with the state’s aspiration to become a developed and high-income economy by 2030.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Abang Johari said both elements are vital in elevating the Land and Survey Department (JTS) to a higher level in supporting Sarawak’s development agenda.

“Innovation ensures that we always move forward with new creative and effective solutions, while integrity ensures that every step we take is based on the principles of honesty, fairness and trust,” he said in his speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Land and Survey Innovation and Integrity Day 2025 at a hotel here, yesterday (Aug 22).

The Premier also noted the success of the land surveying programme under Section 6 of the Land Code, through which over 1.2 million hectares of land have been surveyed and more than 900,000 hectares gazetted.

“This effort was proof of the JTS’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of the people, especially in relation to Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, which is now also being given focus through the issuance of title deeds,” he remarked.

He also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of innovation among civil servants, while ensuring that every initiative is carried out with responsibility and accountability.

“Emphasis on clear documentation and fair enforcement of the law are important aspects in ensuring the trust of all parties,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, and JTS Sarawak director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood.