MIRI:   Perimeter survey works had began on Monday for the 2,241 hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land belonging to some 2,713 landowners of Kampung Pejuang Kelulit and Kampung Tiris in Sibuti area.

The Superintendent of Lands and Surveys Miri Division Rozlan Putit said the works are expected to be completed by mid July this year.

“Mid July is our target to complete this survey for Kampung Pejuang Kelulit and Kampung Tiris in Sibuti area.  Hopefully with the assistance from the landowners, we will be able to achieve this target,” said Rozlan when addressing villagers during a dialogue over the weekend for the NCR New Initiative at Kampung Tiris, Niah here. 

The dialogue was officiated at by the state assemblywoman for Bekenu Rosey Yunus, who later presented the letter of approval for Lot Block Alienation Scheme (BAS) to 73 villagers from Kampung Bukit Bom. 

He said Kampung Pejuang Kelulit and Kampung Tiris are the seventh and eight areas in Miri to be covered under the NCR New Initiative.

The six others were Kampung Kuala Suai, Kampung Terahad, Long Aton, Rumah Boniface Bada, Rumah Emperang and Rumah Edward Chai.

Rozlan assured the landowners that after the completion of survey work, the land will be gazetted as Native Communal Reserve under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code. 

The Gazette will be kept at the Land and Survey Department as well as District Office and a copy extended to the community head. 

“The Gazette itself is a legal proof that Kampung Pejuang Kelulit and Kampung Tiris, Sibuti area have been surveyed and the land rightfully belongs to the community here.  As such, full cooperation from the people is required,” he urged.

He reiterated that any grouse and complaint pertaining to NCR New Initiative needs to be channeled to him, adding that his department is working closely with community leaders to resolve issues pertaining to NCR Initiative. 

The rights over the land gazetted as Native Communal Reserve under Section 6 is administered by native system of personal law.

Thus, he said the customary law of the community in relation to acquisition, transfer and transmission of rights and privileges over land, buildings or any structure erected on the land shall apply.

(Source:  The Borneo Post, 11 May 2011)