THE Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is both timely and necessary to address the rise in land-related offences such as illegal occupation, encroachment, and unauthorised resource extraction.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said it is imperative that the law evolves to empower the state’s enforcement agencies to act swiftly and effectively.
With the introduction of a more robust enforcement mechanism, he said it will allow authorities to address non-compliance decisively, thus protecting the integrity of Sarawak’s land assets and ensuring fairness for lawful landowners and stakeholders.
“One of the most critical updates involves the strengthening of licensing requirements and penalties for the extraction, possession and transportation of rock materials, particularly when these materials are moved beyond Sarawak’s borders.
“The current maximum penalty of RM5,000 is outdated and no longer serves as an effective deterrent. In fact, the economic gains from illegal extraction far outweigh this penalty, making it financially worthwhile for offenders to break the law.
“Similarly, the issue of unlawful occupation, cultivation, and clearing of State Land presents serious long-term implications. Not only does it disrupt planned land use and development, but it also threatens environmental sustainability and community interests. The revised penalty framework ensures that those who disregard the law face meaningful legal and financial consequences,” he said when debating in support of the Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 20).
He stressed that the Enforcement Branch of the Land and Survey Department must be strengthened and restructured to effectively support the ongoing reforms.
Abdul Yakub said these amendments go further by proposing new and expanded enforcement powers, including powers of arrest, eviction, seizure, and related actions under the Land Code.
“This significantly improves the operational effectiveness of the Land and Survey Department, equipping them with the authority they need to act decisively across all areas of land management and land administration.
“These enhancements represent a proactive and comprehensive strategy to uphold Sarawak’s land laws. They will strengthen compliance, reduce abuses, and enable better coordination between enforcement agencies and land administrators,” he said.
