BAU: A group of 192 landowners here received over RM9.65 million in compensation for their lands taken by the government for development purposes.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan presented the landowners the compensation cheques for the lands which were acquired for road upgrading and construction of bailey bridges here on Saturday (Nov 27).
Of the amount, RM5,560,256 were given to 163 recipients as compensation for land for the Kampung Tanjung Poting/Tanjung Senibong/Tanjung Bawong road upgrading project.
The balance of RM4,088,219 were presented to 29 recipients as compensation for land for the Kampung Apar by-pass road which included the construction of a bailey bridge over Sungai Adis.
In his speech, Awang Tengah assured that adequate compensation were given for land taken for development in accordance with the Sarawak Land Code (SLC) and Article 13 of the Federal Constitution.
“The government does not simply take the land but follow the procedures and with the purpose to carry out development projects such as road, electricity, water supply and others,” he said when presenting the compensation cheques at Redeems Centre here on Saturday (Nov 27).
He added that the land acquisition for development purposes could not be possible if the people involved did not cooperate with the state government.
Tasik Biru incumbent Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who also spoke at the function, said it was essential for the government to acquire people’s lands for development purposes which would in turn benefit them.
Meanwhile, Kuching Division Land and Survey Department Superintendent Alfian Bawi disclosed that over the past five years, the department had completed 235 land acquisition projects involving almost 1,420 lots with a total compensation of almost RM490 million.
“The finalised projects involve development of roads, educational institutions, health centres and other public utilities,” he said.
He added that this year alone, 42 land acquisition projects have been implemented involving compensation of almost RM160.2 million.
On another note, he said department had approved 17 areas to be surveyed under the new native customary rights land (NCR) survey initiatives in Singai area.
“Out of the total, seven areas have been issued with 1,264 land titles covering an area of 3,500 acres, which include areas in kampungs Sudoh, Atas, Tanjong Poting, Tanjong Bowang, Senibong, Daun and Bobak Sajong.
“Six more areas with 2,360 acres are currently in the process of being surveyed. These areas are in Apar, Segong, Barieng, Senibong, Atas and Tanjong Poting,” he said.
At the event, Awang Tengah also presented financial assistance under the Technical and Vocational Entrepreneur Programme worth RM15,000 to Johiam Jitul; Graduate Programme Assistance worth RM8,000 to Zurina Sibli and Micro Credit Scheme worth RM375,000 to 12 recipients from Bau, Lundu and Sematan districts.
