The Sarawak Government has been urged to take swift, firm and comprehensive action to safeguard indigenous Native Customary Rights (NCR) land rights while ensuring fair and sustainable development in the Balingian constituency.
Balingian assemblyman, Abdul Yakub Arbi, said NCR land issues in the area have become increasingly pressing, citing overlapping claims between local communities and companies.
“In addition, there are complaints that development activities such as plantations and logging are being carried out without comprehensive consultation or Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from local residents,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech on the motion of appreciation to the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s address at the DUN Sitting today.
He added that the slow pace of surveying and verification of NCR land has left many areas without clear ownership status, increasing the risk of disputes and land misuse.
“The delay creates room for disputes and land misuse. It is hoped that the government will take prompt, firm and comprehensive action to ensure that the rights of indigenous communities are protected and that development can be carried out fairly and sustainably,” he said.
Abdul Yakub also raised concerns on education infrastructure in Balingian, highlighting the long-standing uncertainty surrounding the SMK Balingian project, which he said continues to worry the local community.
He also stressed the growing urgency of relocating SK Kuala Balingian, following existing plans for its full replacement, saying the move is necessary to ensure safety, comfort, and a more conducive learning environment for students and school staff.
“Therefore, the attention and immediate action of the relevant authorities are greatly hoped for to ensure that the school development and relocation process can be implemented in an orderly and effective manner,” he said.
