KUCHING: Landowners in the Tasik Biru constituency on Monday received titles to over 2,100 lots, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to safeguarding Native Customary Rights (NCR) land ownership and improving the socio-economic well-being of local communities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the land titles during the opening ceremony of the Bidayuh Cultural Centre in Bau.
A total of 1,316 lots under Section 18 of the Land Code were presented to 1,142 recipients from the Apar, Tabong, Segong, Tanjong Poting, Grogo, Sibuluh and Banan areas.
In addition, 793 land lots in SALCRA areas were handed over 655 recipients involving the Jagoi OPE and Bratak OPE areas.
The issuance of Section 18 title deeds grants landowners several privileges, including exemption from land premiums, freedom from annual land tax and permanent ownership rights.
The state government also handed over the Bumiputera Communal Reserve Gazette for the Banan Area (Kampung Grogo/Sibuluh), covering 121 hectares, and the Senggi-Poak Area in Jalan Batu Kawa, Tondong (Kampung Atas), covering 9.7 hectares.
The latest milestone forms part of the Sarawak Government’s broader efforts to recognise and secure NCR land ownership throughout the state.
As of May 31 this year, the Sarawak Land and Survey Department had successfully completed perimeter surveys for approximately 1.24 million hectares of NCR land statewide.
Of that total, more than 966,000 hectares have been gazetted as Bumiputera Communal Reserves.
The department has also measured 111,166 individual lots covering 133,140 hectares across Sarawak.
To date, 37,221 lots have been issued Land Title Letters under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.
The initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening land tenure security for the people while creating greater opportunities for economic development and prosperity among Bumiputera communities throughout Sarawak.
Also present at the ceremony were Minster for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh.
