KUCHING: The culture of innovation and creativity must be continuously nurtured within the Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS) to ensure efficiency, relevance, and responsiveness in service delivery.
State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said that innovation should not only be seen as creating new systems but also as improving work processes, expediting approvals, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing the department’s service efficiency.
“In this context, the role of JTS is very important. JTS is not only the administrator of land but also the facilitator of state development in ensuring that Sarawak’s strategic developments such as the construction of roads, bridges, water, and electricity supply can be completed according to the specifications and timelines that have been set.
“Therefore, the efficiency of JTS in survey activities and land acquisition is important to be continuously enhanced from time to time,” he said at the Land and Survey Department’s Innovation and Integrity Day at Imperial Hotel on Wednesday (Aug 20).
He added that the efficiency of JTS in survey works and land acquisition is vital in supporting other implementing agencies to ensure that all physical projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) can begin on time and be implemented smoothly.
“I am confident and believe that through various innovations and digital applications, the department can modernise land management and survey works, moving in line with the demands of the times,” he said.
He also reminded officers that integrity is the foundation of public trust, warning against negative values such as flattery, backstabbing, gossiping, and actions that divide teams.
“All of this requires every member of JTS to continuously enhance their knowledge and competencies to ensure that the department’s service delivery remains relevant and becomes the backbone of Sarawak’s development,” he said.
Abu Bakar added that there is still room to strengthen talent development within JTS, especially in digital skills, data literacy, and ethical capacity in managing new technologies.
“This will also be the catalyst for department personnel to become more proficient in new technologies such as artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and digital land systems while strengthening the culture of integrity,” he said.
During the event, a total of 100 officers and staff from JTS received the 2024 Excellent Service Award (APC).
The recipients, comprising personnel from the department’s Headquarters, Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian, were honoured for their dedication and outstanding service.
