LAWAS: The Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) has an important role in optimising land potential and carrying out development that adds value for communities, particularly in Lawas.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said LCDA's role covers not only physical development but also planning, coordination and project implementation based on community needs.

"In the context of state development, LCDA has an important role in helping the government optimise land potential and carry out development that adds value to the community," he said.

He was speaking at the LCDA Berambeh to Lawas Ceremony in conjunction with LCDA's 45th Anniversary Celebration with the Community at Dataran Bandar Lawas, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the LCDA Berambeh programme, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said it serves as an important platform to engage with communities at the grassroots level to gather input on their problems, needs and expectations regarding development.

He said this ground-level approach allows development planning to be carried out more accurately, ensuring that projects implemented genuinely benefit the people, besides strengthening ties between government agencies and communities.

He also said Lawas's strategic location bordering Brunei and Sabah, and near Kalimantan, opens up significant potential for economic development and regional ties, including through the Limbang and Lawas Local Plan 2035.

Meanwhile, LCDA General Manager, Datu Zaidi Mahdi said LCDA's 45th anniversary celebration is not merely about marking the organisation's age, but serves as an occasion to appreciate the community's trust, honour the contributions of former staff and chart LCDA's future direction.

"The spirit of this 45th anniversary celebration is to bring LCDA closer to the community and ensure the organisation remains relevant and continues to benefit the people of Sarawak," he said.

He explained that LCDA will continue to prioritise a community-based approach by engaging on the ground, understanding community needs and planning development projects based on the feedback received.

He said the 45 development projects approved by the government also reflect the commitment to ensuring development is carried out on a sustained basis, in addition to LCDA continuing to play a role in land development, agriculture and smallholder plantations.

He added that LCDA will also strengthen cooperation with government departments and agencies, the private sector and communities to ensure that development carried out has a positive impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of the people.

Also present were Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong, Sarawak Land and Survey Department Director Datu Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood and other guests. -UKASnews