KUCHING: Deputy President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Nurul Izzah Anwar, should not question the progress of land surveying for Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Awang Tengah said that since 2010, the Sarawak state government has launched a new two-phase initiative for surveying NCR land.
The first phase involves perimeter surveying, while the second focuses on individual land surveys based on applications submitted.
“So far, we’ve successfully surveyed over 1.2 million hectares of NCR land. Nearly 1 million hectares have been issued with documentation under Section 6 of the NCR land survey program.
“The individual land surveys under the second phase are conducted after initial perimeter surveys are completed, also under Section 6.
“This process has already been implemented and is yielding strong results. It’s a very efficient method,” he told reporters at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters today.
He added that land surveying efforts began as early as the 1960s using various methods under land settlement schemes.
“Back then, we only managed to survey about 260,000 hectares. But since 2010, with the new approach and initiatives, the total surveyed area has increased many times over.
“If Nurul Izzah is genuinely concerned about this issue, I hope the federal government will continue to provide funding. The Sarawak State government has already approved RM40 million,” Awang Tengah said.
Additionally, he stated that the state has increased its manpower, with over 370 officers now involved in land surveying activities.
“These efforts are fully funded by the Sarawak State government, with average annual costs below RM30 million. We are fully committed to continuing this process,” he added.
He emphasised that the surveying work is ongoing and that all applications are being considered.
“I believe this is a success. What’s more important now is to expedite the process by ensuring full cooperation from those involved, especially in confirming land boundaries and conducting individual surveys.
“Landowners must be present on-site during the surveying. We don’t proceed carelessly.
“Once a site is approved, we engage with the involved communities, hold dialogues, and request proof of boundaries, which we document.
“We carry out everything transparently. If there’s agreement and cooperation, the process moves much faster,” he said.
Previously, Nurul Izzah had earlier issued a statement calling for faster land surveys and ownership approvals for native customary land in Sarawak.
She also urged for a halt to the issuance of new licences on land still under dispute.
She said that for indigenous communities like the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Penan, land is far more than just a physical asset; it’s their source of livelihood, a place of worship, where customs are practiced, and families are raised.
Above all, it forms a core part of their identity and spirit.
“I urge that the process of surveying and granting ownership of native customary land be expedited, and that no new licences be issued on land still under dispute,” she stated.
