Uggah (standing) speaks during the programme. Photo: Ukas

BETONG: Residents of Lempaong Anyut in Paku here are set to secure formal ownership of their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land after 2,110 hectares were approved for surveying.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the approval covered applications under Section 6, which would later move to individual ownership under Section 18.

He said the Land and Survey Department had briefed the community on the status of their application and confirmed that the surveying process would begin soon.

“With pleasure, we announce that their application under Section 6 has been approved. Surveying will start under Section 6 before proceeding to Section 18,” he said during a briefing on the New NCR Land Initiative at Lempaong Anyut longhouse in Spaoh yesterday (Nov 16).

According to the Land and Survey Department, the engagement session outlined the new NCR surveying process, which focuses on transitioning from Section 6 to Section 18 to speed up the issuance of individual land titles.

This initiative is an extension of the earlier pilot project in Ulu Paku and now covers seven longhouses in Anyut — Lempaong Anyut, Lingit, Engkerebai, Jitu, Nanam, Udau and Sungai Rian.

Longhouse leaders and residents were also given the opportunity to raise questions and seek clarification on the new procedures during the dialogue session.

Uggah said the initiative demonstrated the state government’s sincerity and commitment to strengthening land ownership security for rural communities.

“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government consistently assists NCR landowners. NCR land without titles will be given titles. This shows the government’s commitment,” he said.

He also reminded residents to maintain cooperation and avoid disputes that could delay the surveying and title conversion process.

“I hope the residents cooperate and avoid conflicts so that surveying and the conversion process can be carried out smoothly,” he added.