NCR land surveys to continue for valid claims, says Deputy Premier
Awang Tengah (seated, fourth left) and others in a photo call with the title recipients. Seated at second and third left are Iskandar and Chukpai, respectively.
BINTULU (May 15): Perimeter surveys of Native Customary Rights (NRC) land will continue for as long as needed but only for landowners who present valid legal evidence and consent to the process, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Deputy Premier said the Sarawak government is committed to the NCR survey initiative, but stressed that surveys will not proceed if ownership disputes remain unresolved or if the matter is still before the courts.
'If any dispute exists, especially if a case is still in court, the survey will not proceed unless the legal action is withdrawn and a new application is submitted.
'The government has always recognised NCR land, not just recently but since the 1960s. What we're doing now is building on that commitment with better processes,' he said during a land title handover ceremony here today.
He clarified that the survey process is conducted in two stages: perimeter survey and individual lot survey.
He added that since 2010, more than 1.2 million hectares—nearly three million acres—have been surveyed under this initiative.
'However, rapid development in rural areas has triggered a rise in disputes, overlapping claims, and tension among communities.
'That's why the government stepped in to expedite the surveying process, reduce conflict, and ensure everyone's rights are protected,' he said, urging claimants not to blame the government if surveys cannot proceed due to unresolved internal conflicts.
'If it's truly your land and you have proof, submit an application. The government will assess it fairly. But if it's not your land, don't make false claims.'
He also addressed concerns about Section 6 documents which were often misconstrued by the public.
'Some say (Sarawak Land Code) Section 6 documents do not prove ownership. If you don't believe in it, return the document. But to date, no one has,' he said.
Awang Tengah added that once a perimeter survey is completed and ownership verified, landowners can apply for land titles under Section 18, which offer perpetual ownership, exemption from premium charges, and no land tax.
'This is the government's promise to the people. As long as the moon and stars remain, the land remains yours,' he said.
Also present at the handover ceremony were Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon. Awang Tengah Land Survey ncr land
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