KUCHING (Sept 19): Traditional villages in the Serian area have been urged to initiate the Native Customary Rights (NCR) land survey process to secure and safeguard rightful ownership, as well as for future generations.

Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada said the Sarawak government is committed to carrying out land surveys for both traditional village settlements and individual agricultural lots under Section 6 and Section 18 of the State Land Code.

“I appeal to villages that have not yet started the survey process to take the first step and liaise with the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) to implement the initiative.

“This survey, carried out together with DBNA, will enable the Land and Survey Department to perform its duties more effectively,” he said during the Dialogue on Traditional Village Residential Lot Survey and Issuance of Land Titles under Section 18 of the State Land Code at Kampung Jenan multipurpose hall yesterday.

Dr Sinang stressed that land surveys and the issuance of land titles not only provide legal ownership certainty, but also serve as a valuable asset.

“Land can be preserved as family heritage, developed for economic purposes, or used as collateral to obtain capital,” he pointed out.

He also reminded landowners to manage their property wisely and not to sell them indiscriminately, except under pressing circumstances such as funding their children’s education.