BINTULU: Rural communities have been urged to find out the slows of their land from Sarawak Land and Survey Department before embarking on any planting project on the land.

Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Communications), Datuk Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom gave the advice when officiating at the Gawai Ngiling Bidai” Ceremony of Persatuan Pekebun-Pekebun Kecil Selad Sebemban Tatau Bintulu (PPPKSS) held at Li Hua Hotel last Thursday.

He urged the people to verify their Native Customary Right (NCR) land status with the Land and Survey Department to avoid any sensitive issue.

“Before we start a project or cultivation, we should know the status of our land. To be aware of the status of the status of the land when the project is already developed will create problems,’ he said.

Elaborating further on the implementation of perimeter survey of the NCR land, Rundi explained that the state government had received extra funds of RM30 million from the federal government to continue the project.

He regretted the attitude of some people who thought that the land surveyed by using the method was too small or not suitable.

He assured the people that they still had rights to the land based on Section 18 or Section 6.

He also advised members of the association not to be influenced by any party that tried to thwart the perimeter survey of their land.

Rundi suggested that the committee members attend seminars, short courses or visit places that were advanced in agriculture and cultivation management.

PPPKSS was established in March, 2012 and registered on 24 August, 2012.

The association comprises 70 families, who have land and are engaged in agricultural activities such as the planting of oil palms, coconuts, padi and vegetables.

The purpose of association is to unite the smallholders to defend their rights and interests, especially In the Selad, Sebemban, Tatau and Bintulu areas.

(Source:  Sarawak Tribune, 29 June 2013)