KUCHING: An allocation of RM5 million has been approved for the Land and Survey Department (Landas) to establish a research chair.
In collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the research chair will focus on climate change and green energy.
The announcement was made by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who urged the department to send more of its officers to continue doing research in various fields, including multi-layered data.
He said the department’s officers’ practical experience and field work will be incorporated into the master’s programme.
“We had a meeting earlier today (Feb 3) to set up a special lane for the autonomous rapid transit (ART) in Samarahan.
“I was informed that there is one cable under Sarawak Energy near the last roundabout that can’t be found while the traffic light intersections are being upgraded.
“A common, multi-layered data must be available so that we know the obstacles underground.
“This is because if they are not careful, the digging work can damage the cable and cause blackouts,” he said when officiating at the LANDAS Summit 2023 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
At the event, Abang Johari also approved the department’s request for extra enforcement personnel to strengthen its Enforcement Unit.
He said this is crucial to prevent any encroachment or intrusion into areas that have been surveyed, especially in rural areas.
Earlier, Landas director Datuk Abdullah Julaihi said enforcement tasks are becoming more challenging with the increase of land, sea, and air infrastructure development in the state.
