THE Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will introduce clear and enforceable provisions to regulate the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak.
Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad said that this is a critical step in ensuring that the state’s natural resources are responsibly managed and its rightful revenue from these resources is properly collected.
“By making licensing requirements legally enforceable and enabling the effective collection of fees and royalties, we are protecting not only our environment but also the economic interests of the state.
“This move conveys a clear and firm message that the illegal extraction and transport of rock materials will not be condoned, and that all operators, whether from the public or private sector, are required to adhere strictly to established procedures,” he said this during debate time at the august House in support of the Bill today (May 20).
He noted that the introduction of stringent penalties through the amendments serves as a critical deterrent against unlawful activities that deplete the state’s natural resources.
“It is imperative that the law remains resolute and that its enforcement is both consistent and credible,” he said.
Another significant inclusion in the amendment is the introduction of a new legal framework to govern matters relating to wakaf and endowment.
“It is intended to formalise the registration and management of wakaf and endowment lands not in a way that is exclusive to any one religion, but with the inclusive intent of accommodating all religions practiced in Sarawak.
“Under this framework, landowners who wish to endow or dedicate their lands for religious or welfare purposes will now have a clear, efficient, and legally secure pathway to do so.
“No more unnecessary red tape and most importantly, the noble intentions of landowners will no longer be hindered by legal uncertainty,” he said.
Additionally, he added that the amendments introduce a new requirement for the submission of as-built utility data, a progressive step that supports the creation of a 3D utility mapping framework and the formation of dedicated committees.
“This is not just about data, it is about building the foundation for integrated spatial planning, underground infrastructure management, and ultimately, the Smart City vision of Sarawak.
“With accurate, real-time utility data, we can plan more intelligently, prevent costly infrastructure clashes, and build more sustainable urban centres,” he added.
