Firms told: Exclude Native lands

KOTA MARUDU, Jan 26 (Daily Express) -- The State Government will ensure Native Customary Rights (NCR) land belonging to rural farmers are protected and remain unaffected by large land development programmes implemented by the government or private sector.

MP Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili reiterated the policy after chairing an inter-departmental meeting regarding the surveying of State land alienated to Safoda and a private company, Begaraya Sdn Bhd, which had raised concerns and distress among landowners in the district.

"At the meeting today, it was resolved that both Safoda and Begaraya must adhere to conditions set by the Cabinet when surveying land approved to them," he said, Friday.

"Hence, land alienated as kampung reserves, grazing reserves, NCR land, land applied and developed by farmers, water catchment areas and land earmarked for public amenities must be excised out," he said.

Ongkili, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, disclosed that all surveying works would be suspended until kampung reserve and NCR land boundaries were clearly defined and established.

He added that Safoda and Begaraya surveyors would then follow the agreed kampung boundary.

"I wish to assure the people whose land have been overlapped by Safoda and Begaraya areas that they have nothing to fear because the Barisan Nasional government will ensure their customary rights are preserved and developed land under their custody protected," he stressed.

Also present at the meeting were Matunggong Assemblywoman, Jornah Mozihim and District Officer Luvita Koisun.