KUCHING: Now in its 45th year, the Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) continues to play a pivotal role in driving Sarawak’s economic growth.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said LCDA is actively involved in the agricultural sector, including managing its own plantations.
One of its most significant roles, he said, is in the development of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
“LCDA acts as a managing agent to protect the interests of NCR landowners while unlocking the value of previously idle land,” he added.
“Through collaboration with the private sector, NCR land development has created dividends, jobs, and new economic opportunities for local communities.”
Landowners, he said, benefit through dividends, employment opportunities, and increased economic activities, especially for local communities.
He stated this at the ‘LCDA Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri’ event, held at Dewan Serbaguna CatsFM, Jalan Bako, here today (April 18).
At present, LCDA has also been entrusted with developing several areas into agro-parks.
Some have already been established, while others are in the planning stages, among others at Sungai Baji Agro Park in Sarikei and a 260-acre integrated agropark in Igan, Mukah.
Other initiatives include proposed developments in Betong and specialised areas like Tarat and Semenggok.
He said, these agro-parks are designed with proper facilities and aim to create opportunities not only for individuals but also for private sector participation, particularly in downstream activities.
“For example, in Miri, land has been leased for vegetable farming. The agro-park concept is more comprehensive, allowing for broader private sector involvement, including processing and value-added activities,” said.
According to Awang Tengah LCDA is also tasked with spearheading pineapple and coconut cultivation, with a focus on strengthening market access and processing capabilities.
“Our focus is not only on production, but also on strengthening market access and processing capabilities. We will continue to expand agro-park developments, including modern approaches such as greenhouse farming,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, said, from the perspective of property development, LCDA is actively involved, both directly and indirectly, in urban planning and development, covering major cities as well as rural towns.
It plays an important role in establishing rural growth centres.
“In terms of housing, LCDA has been given responsibility to support resettlement programmes and village extension initiatives,” Awang Tengah reiterated.
“While these are primarily under the Land and Survey Department, LCDA works alongside them, particularly in delivering affordable housing projects.
“Many such developments have already been completed, including in Darul Hana, and this model will be expanded to other areas, including Lawas.”
Overall, he said, its contributions to the state’s development are very significant and hoped that LCDA will continue to progress.
Meanwhile, on the Bukit Assek redevelopment project, which is highly anticipated by local residents, he said planning is currently underway.
“After gathering the necessary input, consultants have been engaged to conduct comprehensive and inclusive studies. Proper studies have to be made as some areas involve swamp land. These have now been concluded, and the next step is to determine implementation strategies in phases.
“The government will focus on basic infrastructure, while encouraging private sector participation in the development of this new township,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Women, Early Childhood and Community Development (KPWK) Deputy Minister, Datuk Razi Sitam; Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, Rodiyah Sapiee; Ministry of International Trade, industry and Investment (Mintred) adviser, Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majlis; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Abdullah Julaihi; and LCDA’s General Manager, Datuk Zaidi Mahdi.
