LAWAS: Land ownership issues have impeded efforts to extend electricity supply to remote areas in the state.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the government through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has planned to connect the state’s electricity grid to the areas of Lawas and Limbang to improve the energy infrastructure in these areas.
He also said conflicts related to land ownership rights have made the implementation of these plans challenging.
“Land ownership issues need to be handled carefully and diligently to achieve good cooperation between landowners, authorities and contractors,” he said when officiating at the breaking-of fast meal organised by SEB here on Sunday (Mar 31).
Awang Tengah, who is also Bukit Sari assemblyman added that clear and legitimate land ownership allows for smooth, efficient and effective execution of development projects.
“We do not simply take over land; if the landowners have proof of the land ownership, we respect their rights and are prepared to pay compensation if their lands are required for development.
“There are instances whereby contractors were obstructed while on the route, complicating the process and implementation of projects.
“If such situation persists, we will face problems in extending electricity to rural areas, which will further delay the process of improving our community’s socioeconomic status,” he said.
Therefore, he hoped the community leaders can convey this issue to the people in their respective areas so that the progress and facilities could continue to reach the interior.
“We have plans, not only to connect Lawas and Limbang to the state power grid but also to extend electricity coverage to include all longhouses and villages, like in Lawas, up to Ba’kelalan because we do not want any rural community to be left behind,” said Awang Tengah.
