THE Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 was unanimously passed in the august House today (May 20).
The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, aims to bring comprehensive reforms to Sarawak’s land management and administration system to ensure it remains efficient, responsive, and aligned with current best practices in governance and land-related regulations.
“This Bill reflects the Sarawak government’s commitment to advancing the state’s land management in line with current development needs and technological progress,” he said.
He added that the amendments involve changes to 24 existing sections and the addition of three new sections in the Land Code, focusing on key areas such as land management and administration, legal interpretation, enforcement mechanisms, and digital transformation.
“These reforms are structured into four main categories, addressing essential aspects of Sarawak’s evolving governance framework,” he explained.
“The categories include changes in functions, procedures, and work processes; Updates to definitions and policies; Enhancements to enforcement and compliance measures; Integration of technological advancements to modernise the land management system.
Awang Tengah noted that the amendments are intended to streamline operations, simplify procedures, and standardise processes in line with the state’s digital service delivery initiatives.
Additionally, the provisions introduced through this Bill are designed to strengthen the land governance framework in Sarawak by updating administrative practices and providing clearer policy direction.
Among other improvements, the amendment also introduces enhanced enforcement mechanisms in the Land Code, granting authorities greater power to respond swiftly and effectively to non-compliance, encroachment, and illegal occupation.
“In this regard, the proposed amendments are timely and necessary, given the state’s evolving socio economic landscape, growing development demands, and increasing complexity in land administration.”
“These changes aim to optimize operational processes, strengthen enforcement capabilities, refine planning policies, and embed digital innovation. Through this initiative, the state government seeks to modernise and future-proof the land governance system,” he stated.
By improving administrative efficiency and clarifying legal aspects, this Bill lays the foundation for a transparent, accountable, and responsive land management system.
“It also aligns with Sarawak’s long-term development strategies and enhances the quality of public service delivery,” he added.
Therefore, the implementation of this Bill will equip Sarawak with the capacity to address emerging challenges in land governance, support sustainable development, and ensure policy alignment with the state’s economic and social aspirations.
“In an era of rapid urban growth, technological advancement, and rising public expectations, this Bill represents a crucial step toward building a more modern, responsive, and service-oriented land management system for the benefit of landowners, investors, civil servants, local communities, and the people of Sarawak as a whole,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Bill was seconded by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Batu Kawa assemblyman. It was debated by 16 assemblymen.
