KUCHING: Claims that the government is not serious about addressing Native Customary Rights (NCR) land issues in Sarawak are unfounded, as nearly 95 per cent of NCR land applications are currently being processed, with some applicants already having received their land titles.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the state government has never ignored NCR land matters, and that the process of surveying and verifying land ownership is being carried out continuously.
“Do not be easily influenced by politically motivated claims suggesting that the government is unwilling to survey NCR land, because we ourselves come from NCR communities,” he said.
He said this during the 11th Triennial General Assembly of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and the DBNA Muhibah Dinner held at the DBNA Multipurpose Hall on Friday.
According to him, there are still several villages that have yet to submit NCR land applications despite having many eligible residents and receiving financial assistance from elected representatives.
He added that the situation is due to a lack of initiative and follow-up action among community leaders themselves in managing the related applications.
In this regard, he urged every village to be more proactive in managing and applying for NCR land recognition to ensure that land ownership rights are safeguarded for the benefit of future generations. -UKASnews
