SIBU: Efforts to strengthen the recognition of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land in Siong Ili are being intensified through measurement work involving eight longhouses in the area.

Selangau Member of Parliament, Edwin Banta, said the step is important to ensure that customary land is measured systematically and formally recognised by the government.

He said this while chairing the NCR Land Measurement Dialogue at Rumah John Antieng, Siong Ili, recently.

The programme, organised by the Sibu Division Land and Survey Department in collaboration with the Selangau Parliamentary Service Centre, also involved tuai rumah (village headmen) and local residents.

During the session, Land Administrative Officer Vivilyn Wesley Kapi delivered a briefing on procedures, documentation and the steps involved in the measurement of NCR land.

This planned measurement effort is believed to accelerate the recognition process and reduce the risk of disputes in the future.

Meanwhile, the Siong Ili Development Committee, led by Tony Emat, is helping to coordinate the implementation of the programme through the establishment of a special committee.

The initiative is expected to improve public understanding and further strengthen cooperation between government agencies and the community in safeguarding customary land rights. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng