BY HAMIMI KASSIM

BETONG: In the matter of land compensation, the government has never ignored the rights of the people and instead it had always compensated the landowners fairly.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang in saying this pointed out that the government’s action was to develop the areas for the benefit of the people.

“The compensation ceremony today is proof that this is the case:’ he said, adding that the projects to be carried out would help to uplift the living standard of the people.
Jabu was speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony for land compensation to 171 landowners in Betong Division totalling RM 11,428,331.90.

The land compensation involved five projects namely Jalan Debak-Kampung Babu - Kampung Bungey -Kampung Lallang, Debak; Jalan LabangR h Bebuling Baroh - Skim Tg. Sebekut, Betong; Jalan Kampung Paloh - Kampung Beting Maro, Kabong, Taman Keluarga, Betong and Tanah Simpanan Kerajaan, Betong.

The event was held at the Seminar Room Menara Utama Kompleks Pejabat Kerajaan Negeri here yesterday.

Jabu added that as a leader here, he was responsible to continue the agenda of development in Betong in line with the national developm ent agenda as announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Sen Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

“As such, the government will always pay attention to the development of human capital and entrepreneurship, among others in the area in line with the objective of Vision 2020.

“By 2020, we want the number of residents In Betong to reach 50,000 and well developed in all aspects,” he pointed out.

According to him, continuous development by the government will not compromise the environment and good neighbourhood concept with people living in peace and harmony.

Touching on education, Jabu wanted the parents and teachers to play their respective roles in helping Betong to catch up with other divisions.

“We need to work harder as Betong has been a division for 10 years. We must be balanced in development, be it in education or living standard,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas said the surveying of all NCR lands in Betong Division was a continuous effort of the government.

“In Betong and Saratok Parliamentary constituencies alone, close to 200,000 hetares of land were recognised as NCR land and the residents should consider themselves lucky,” he said.

Superintendent of Land and Survey Department of Betong Division, Anthony Aboi, said from 2008 till now 12 cheque compensation presentation ceremonies had been held here involving 2,278 recipients for 54 projects totalling RM26,754,410.

“Last year alone, RM2O,824,945 was paid to the land owners involving 24 government projects. This year we have 29 more projects which will be launched here,” he said, urging the affected land owners to give their full cooperation to the government.

At the function, Jabu also presented a cheque for RM84, 720 to Rumah Panjang Mallang Ungap, Lubau, Layar near here which was razed to the ground recently.

Among those present were Assistant Minister of Welfare Robert Lawson Chuat, Deputy Minister of Transport, Jelaing Mersat, State Assemblyman for Beting Maro Razaili Haji Ghapor, and Betong Deputy Resident Pathi
Kerni.

(Source: New Sarawak Tribune, 22 January 2012)