By Majuan Jeraie

When space factor gradually became a persistent problem in many villages back in the 1980s, there was an increasing demand for land among the villagers to build new houses.

On 22 October 1984, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud announced that the government would designate land to be used as village reserve to cater for the expansion of these overcrowded villages. This subsequently led to the implementation of kampung extension scheme in 1985.

Kampung extension is essentially a planned residential scheme equipped with basic amenities such as roads, electricity and water supply. Where possible, the new site for the extended village will be located within the proximity of its origin village. This way, extended families get to stay close to one another. In fact, in approving applications under kampung extension, priority will be given to offspring of the families in the village who are married and do not own land.

Lots allocated in the extended village have clear boundary definition, giving the residents peace of mind. Also, with a well-planned layout of lots, it addresses the problem of haphazard construction of houses which is still a common practice in many villages today.

Village reserve and extension of village reserve are to be declared as Government (Kampung) Reserve in accordance with the provision of Section 7(1) of the Land Code.

Once approval has been given to issue land title over residential lot within the village extension scheme, the land must be excised from the Government (Kampung) Reserve pursuant to Section 7(2) of the Land Code for the purpose of direct alienation to the licensee.

Those given a lot in the kampung extension scheme will be issued with a Temporary Occupational Licence (TOL) which can be renewed annually at a minimal fee. The TOL allows the holder to occupy the land and enjoy the basic amenities.

One of the frequently asked questions is that why government does not immediately issue land title to successful applicants in the village extension scheme. If land title were to be issued to every successful applicant, the registered proprietor will have to fork out a large sum of money for payment of land charges within a specific time-frame. Failing to do so, a surcharge of 50 percent will be imposed on the outstanding land rent and premium. This can prove to be a burden, particularly for those who live hand-to-mouth.

Successful applicant is better off using their hard-earned money to build their house instead of paying premium and other land charges. Priority must be given to complete the construction of the house. Land title, on the other hand, can be obtained at a later stage after one can afford to pay the necessary land charges to convert the TOL to land title.

Consideration will be given for issuance of land title if construction of the house has commenced and there is a need to have a title for the purpose of obtaining loans to finance the construction of the house.

Lots given under village extension scheme must not be exchanged or sold off to third parties. If there is evidence to prove that there has been illegal transactions involving lots under the village extension scheme, Land and Survey Department will not hesitate to take action, including withdrawing the lots.

It has been 25 years since the kampung extension scheme was introduced and implemented and to date, there are 159 of such schemes throughout Sarawak. In some of these extended villages, one can find several generations living happily together, perhaps not under one roof, but definitely in one kampung.

The writer is a Staff Surveyor at Land and Survey Headquarters and can be contacted at majuanj@sarawak.gov.my.