A dedicated portion of the RM9.3 billion 2026 development budget must be allocated to strengthen and complement Native Customary Rights (NCR) land survey programmes across the state, says Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang.
He said the proposed state allocation could come in addition to federal funding to ensure the continuation and acceleration of survey works statewide.
Nyabong noted that while the federal government had designated RM6 billion for Sarawak under the 2026 development allocation, the latest budget announcement did not clearly specify any dedicated funding for NCR land surveys.
“In contrast, the 2025 Federal Budget Presentation explicitly allocated RM15 million for NCR land survey activities in Sarawak. The absence of a clearly defined allocation this time raises concerns about the continuity of such efforts,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech on the motion of appreciation for the address by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 13).
Wilson added that the Sarawak government could consider setting aside a portion of the Federal allocation to support ongoing survey works, alongside its own state funding.
He stressed that Kapit Division, in particular, requires a larger allocation due to the vast size of NCR land areas and the fact that many parcels have yet to be properly surveyed and documented.
“This is not merely an administrative exercise. NCR land surveys are crucial in providing legal certainty, protecting native customary rights, and ensuring socio-economic security for rural communities,” he said.
He added that proper documentation of NCR land is also essential for long-term development planning across Sarawak, especially in rural areas.
