SARATOK: The achievements of the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) over the past five decades must be sustained and strengthened to continue benefiting future generations.
Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the agency’s 50-year journey has provided valuable experience and lessons to guide future improvements.
“Our responsibility is to continue identifying opportunities that bring benefits, particularly in economic development. We must carry out our work earnestly and with commitment.
“In Saratok, all elected representatives need to identify potential areas where SALCRA can further support development,” he said, adding that the agency’s legacy of excellence should be carried forward for the next generation.
Dr Rundi, who is also SALCRA’s Chairman, said this during the launch of the Letter of Land Ownership under Section 18 of the State Land Code for the SALCRA Saratok Development Area, together with the unveiling of SALCRA’s 50th anniversary logo here today.
He said SALCRA’s five-decade journey reflects its continuous commitment to strengthening land ownership rights while advancing rural development.
To date, 96 per cent of land managed by SALCRA has been handed over with ownership letters issued, demonstrating the agency’s success since its establishment on May 1, 1976.
“Under the SALCRA Ordinance, measurement of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land is carried out in accordance with Section 19(1)(b) to ensure planned and sustainable land development.
“To expedite the surveying process, SALCRA has also collaborated with the Land and Survey Department through the establishment of an Internal Survey Team in 2020.
“This team identifies, measures and verifies NCR land in SALCRA development areas before registration and issuance of ownership under Section 18,” he said.
At the event, Dr Rundi handed over land ownership letters to 280 recipients from 105 longhouses and villages.
The handover involved 373 land lots with 345 registered owners, covering a total area of 626 hectares.
The estates involved were Saribas Estate (63 lots, 33 recipients), Rimbas Estate (69 lots, 60 recipients), Saratok Estate (103 lots, 75 recipients), South Roban Estate (23 lots, 23 recipients) and North Roban Estate (115 lots, 89 recipients).
He also reminded landowners not to sell land that has been granted legal ownership in order to safeguard their long-term interests.
Commenting on SALCRA’s golden jubilee, he said the anniversary provides an important platform to highlight the agency’s achievements and contributions over the past 50 years.
He added that these efforts are in line with SALCRA’s vision and mission to improve quality of community life through sustainable land development while strengthening the socio-economic standing of rural residents.
