THE newly introduced Section 171A under the Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (the Bill) is not a religious issue but a necessary provision to register land that has been endowed or designated as wakaf.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said it is important to ensure that such wakaf or endowment lands are managed efficiently and systematically in accordance with the legal framework administered by the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) or the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
He stressed that the provision only concerns the registration and administration of land.
“This is also important to avoid claims by heirs of the endower in the event of their passing,” he said during his winding-up speech after tabling the Bill at the august House today.
Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, asserted that the passing of the Bill will bring about substantial enhancements to the existing law.
He added that these amendments are essential to strengthening Sarawak’s land management and administration system, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable, and aligned with current best practices in governance.
“Essentially, these amendments are pivotal to enhancing service delivery to the rakyat and advancing the objectives of the post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, as we work collectively towards a developed Sarawak for the benefit of all,” he said.
Earlier, Awang Tengah said the introduction of the section provides a formal mechanism for the registration of wakaf or religious endowment lands in the Land Registry.
He said the amendment empowers individuals and the MIS to apply for such registrations, and extends similar provisions to other religions that have equivalent concepts.
“This marks a progressive and inclusive step forward, reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to safeguard the rich diversity of religious faiths within its multicultural society,” he added.
(Photo courtesy of Ramidi Subari)
