SERIAN: Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has hailed the local Iban community for adopting the approach pioneered by the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) for surveying their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
The Deputy Premier said this direction is prudent, given DBNA’s track record of success in the land surveying process within the Bidayuh community.
He asserted that the Iban community should identify the boundaries of their land lots, and the data would be processed.
“The processed data will be handed over to the Land and Survey Department to continue with the actual surveying work.
“This method has also been adapted and successfully implemented in the Betong area to expedite the surveying process of individual lots,” he said.
He said this at the ‘Serumpu Makai Lemai’ Ceremony organised by the Association of Iban Community Leaders and Longhouse Chiefs of Serian Division at the Serian Community Hall last night (Feb 24).
Additionally, Uggah urged the Iban community to increase their income through their NCR land ownership.
He said locals could develop their land through agricultural activities such as developing vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, or oil palm and pepper plantations.
“Please use your land for any agricultural activities so that you can have income. Turn your land into oil palm, pepper, or fruit gardens.
“Take the opportunity, and I’m sure the people of Serian will benefit from the right policies of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he added.
Also present were Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Martin Ben, Serian Resident Caroline Cleophas Joseph, political secretary to Sarawak Premier Petrus Igat Mathias, Temenggong Datuk Harrison Lunsa and others.
