BINTULU: Residents of Sebauh and the surrounding areas along Batang Kemena have been reminded not to relinquish their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land despite the rapid pace of development taking place in the region.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, emphasised that the value of NCR land will continue to rise in line with infrastructure progress, including the construction of bridges, roads, and the development of a new township in the area.
“I wish to remind the people of Sebauh and the entire Batang Kemena region, once all these areas become accessible by road, please protect your customary rights land rights.
“Do not ever give them up. Once sold, it can never be reclaimed,” he stressed.
He made these remarks while officiating at the closing ceremony of the Sebauh Festival 2025, held at the Sebauh Jetty compound today.
Rundi, who is also Kemena Assemblyman, said that several development projects are currently underway in Sebauh, including the construction of a bridge across Batang Kemena, new riverfront development, and a new township on the opposite bank of the river.
In addition, he noted that a proposed road connecting Sebauh directly to Bintulu via Sepadok is in the planning stage and is expected to cut travel time to Bintulu town to just 30 minutes.
“All of this development will have a significant impact on property values and the local economy.
“Therefore, NCR land ownership must be safeguarded for the benefit of future generations.
“Do not let short-term profits from seemingly lucrative offers cause us to lose an irreplaceable heritage,” he added.
In this regard, he urged the community to continually remind one another of the importance of preserving NCR land as a long-term asset with the potential to yield greater benefits, especially as Sebauh develops into a new economic growth hub for Central Sarawak.
At the same event, Dr Rundi also officiated at the flag-off for the final round of the powerboat race and presented prizes to the winners.
