LIMBANG records the highest number of land and crop compensation cases in Sarawak, with 80 cases involving RM9.3 million in payouts.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, said that the Sarawak Native Court has registered 303 cases statewide, totalling RM19.2 million.
“According to the official breakdown, Sri Aman recorded 63 cases worth RM1.2 million, Bintulu 30 cases totalling RM2.8 million, Kapit 28 cases (RM3 million), and Mukah 28 cases (RM718,000).
“Betong had 24 cases (RM424,000), Sibu 17 cases (RM581,000), Kuching 11 cases (RM423,000), and Miri 11 cases (RM217,000).
“Sarikei recorded nine cases (RM69,000), while Serian and Samarahan had one case each valued at RM230,000 and RM153,000 respectively,” he said.
Jamit was responding to a question by Bukit Semuja state assemblyman, John Ilus, during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Earlier, John had asked about the number of cases and the total value registered in the Sarawak Native Court, particularly those involving land and crop acquisition disputes and compensation, by division in Sarawak.
Jamit added that since 2008 until October 2025, 157 land compensation cases have been concluded, with RM12.5 million in payouts disbursed to claimants.
“Limbang led with 43 completed cases worth RM8 million, followed by Bintulu with 21 cases (RM1.8 million), Kapit 10 cases (RM1 million) and other divisions with smaller numbers of concluded cases,” he said.
He noted that 146 cases are still pending, with an estimated total value of RM6.7 million.
“These include cases undergoing document review, land ownership verification, valuation and administrative processing between relevant agencies,” he said.
He also explained the factors contributing to delays, which are mainly due to the lengthy duration required to resolve each case, typically taking at least three months for a full hearing.
“The shortage of magistrates, particularly in district Native Courts, has limited court scheduling and delayed hearing dates.
“High case volumes relative to available magistrates, as well as frequent adjournment requests by lawyers, have also contributed to the delays,” he said.
He added that these factors have collectively led to the accumulation of pending land compensation cases in the Sarawak Native Court system, highlighting the need for continued efforts to streamline processes and improve court efficiency.
