SERIAN: Eight corporate social responsibility (CSR) cheques worth a combined RM110,000 were presented on Wednesday to three villages here, Kampung Plaman Payang, Kampung Tanah Puteh and Kampung Sebemban, under a Land and Survey Department (JTS) programme that channels support from licensed quarry and mining operators to communities directly affected by their activities.
The handover was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan during the event for the ‘Presentation of Land Compensation Cheques, Gazettal of Bumiputera Communal Reserve under Section 6 of the State Land Code, and Issuance of Land Titles under Section 18 of the State Land Code for the Serian & Kuching Divisions’ at the Serian Conference Centre here.
Two more villages, Kampung Prutan (Serian) and Kampung Endap (Samarahan), are slated to receive CSR assistance soon.
Awang Tengah said the state would continue balancing urgent connectivity needs with landowners’ rights, framing the exercise as part of a broader push to raise living standards across urban, rural and interior areas.
“This programme is designed to bring government, operators and the community closer, so people understand the rules of the industry, can act as the ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground, and share in the benefits,” he said.
He encouraged villagers to participate actively when survey teams are on site.
“We consult, we dialogue, and we notify before going to the field. Please be present so boundaries are accurate and disputes can be settled early,” he said.
Awang Tengah added that the government bears the cost of surveys, including where private surveyors are engaged, and that Section 18 titles issued carry no premium.
The programme also saw the handover of gazette documents for Section 6 Bumiputera Communal Reserves and Section 18 individual titles, underscoring the state’s long-running effort to recognise and secure native land through perimeter surveys followed by individual titling upon community request.
JTS Serian Divisional Superintendent, Abdul Khalil Amit, said the CSR funds presented were contributed by Pendu Kuari (Serian) Sdn Bhd and Magna Focus Sdn Bhd.
“We hope the assistance will be used prudently for village upgrades, schools and selected houses of worship,” he said.
Awang Tengah thanked local leaders and community representatives for their cooperation with JTS, saying this partnership is crucial to keeping development on schedule while upholding due process for landowners.
“Our aim is inclusive progress, connectivity that reaches longhouses and town centres alike, and a land administration that is transparent, lawful and fair,” he said.
