KUCHING: Using private firms to survey native customary rights land (NCR land) is a smart move but it must be done cautiously.
“Landowners should know about the firm such as its history before using its service so as to avoid potential manipulation,” said Utilities (Water Supply) Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
He was responding to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement that the state government might employ private surveyors to complement the efforts of the Land and Survey Department (Jabatan Tanah dan Survei, JTS) in surveying NCR land.
“Other surveys such as for traditional village land should also involve private surveyors so that the work can be expedited as well,” Abdul Rahman suggested.
He said that appointed surveyors must comply with the approaches and regulations set by JTS.
“If possible, community leaders can recommend private survey firms to collaborate with JTS to accelerate the work,” he said.
He pointed out that the chief minister had agreed to the idea of partially paying the private firms.
In describing Abang Johari’s idea, Transport Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said that the move was indicative of the state government’s seriousness in addressing NCR land issues related to Section 6 and Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.
Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh also commended the announcement.
“We know that JTS is short of surveyors. So, it is a positive call from the chief minister to use private surveyors,” he said.
