SERIAN (Oct 22): Land acquisition for development projects in Sarawak is always conducted in accordance with the law and with fair compensation for affected landowners, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said allegations that the state government seizes native customary rights (NCR) land without compensation are false narratives deliberately spread by irresponsible parties to sow distrust among rural communities.

“There are those who accuse the government of grabbing land. This is not true. Any land acquired for public purposes must follow legal procedures and compensation will always be given,” said Awang Tengah at the Presentation of Land Compensation Cheques, Section 6 Native Communal Reserve Gazette & Section 18 Land Title Documents for Serian and Kuching Divisions at Serian Conference Centre here today.

Awang Tengah, who is also the Second State Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, stressed that the Sarawak government recognises and safeguards NCR land ownership under state laws.

“We do not simply take people’s land. There are laws in place to protect the rights of landowners, including native customary rights.

“Development must continue, but it will not be done at the expense of the people,” he said.

He said all land acquisition cases are handled transparently by the Land and Survey Department, which investigates and verifies each claim before compensation is determined according to the law.

“All land acquisition cases must go through a proper investigation and verification process by the Land and Survey Department.

“If the land is affected, the owners will be called for discussions, and compensation will be assessed according to the law,” he said, adding that dialogue sessions with landowners are held prior to any acquisition to prevent disputes.

Awang Tengah also called on the public not to be influenced by misinformation designed to erode confidence in the government’s land policies.

At the same time, he said the state government continues to prioritise land ownership security, particularly in rural and longhouse communities where traditional settlements often lack proper documentation.

“To protect the rights of our people, especially in rural areas, the government is surveying traditional village land and issuing titles under village expansion schemes,” he said.

He said the process takes time as the government wants to ensure there are no disputes among villagers before titles are issued under Section 18.

Awang Tengah added that the ongoing land survey programme has already benefited many areas and will continue in phases statewide to strengthen long-term land security for Sarawakians.

Among others present were State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, State Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh and other distinguished guests.