SIBU: Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, has given his assurance that he will hold discussions with the federal government regarding land ownership issues concerning the community in the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme area.
He said the land was partially funded by the federal government when the resettlement area was first established.
“We are currently in negotiations with both the state and federal governments for the land to be handed back to the state government, so that the State can distribute it for community purposes as was promised in the past.
“There is a possibility that a certain number of acres will be allocated to each resident as previously pledged, with part of the land set aside for development, basic amenities and infrastructure in the area, including a police station, clinic, school and so on.
“So, the land issue must be resolved first, as no further development can proceed until this matter is settled,” he said when officiating at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of resettlement area in Selangau today.
Fadillah, who is also the MA63 Implementation Action Council’s Technical Committee (MTPMA63) chairman, said the committee will investigate the current status of the land in question as agreed upon by the state and federal governments.
“Any federal government land that is unused will be returned to the state government. The state can then use the land for its intended purposes, and certainly, this resettlement area and its associated facilities should be a priority.
“I will also bring this matter to discussions at the federal and state levels so that it can be resolved as soon as possible,” he added.
Earlier, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang in his welcoming speech raised the issue of land ownership for the Sekuau community.
Gira said despite living and building their lives in the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme for the past 50 years, residents still do not hold legal land titles.
“We appeal to give this matter priority for resolution. Legal ownership will not only bring peace of mind to the residents but also open up opportunities for them to develop their land in a more structured and competitive manner,” he said.
