Kuching: The Sarawak government has affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of the people concerning Native Customary Right (NCR) land. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan announced the extensive progress made in surveying these lands under the state's New NCR Land Survey Initiative. From October 2010 to April 30 this year, a substantial 1,200,766 hectares, equivalent to 2,967,093 acres, have been surveyed.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak government has gazetted approximately 935,760 hectares, or 2,312,263 acres, as Native Communal Reserve (Agriculture) under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code. This initiative has been driven by applications from involved parties, as highlighted by Awang Tengah during the State Assembly sitting.

Awang Tengah, who also serves as Sarawak's Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, explained that since 2017, the survey's focus has expanded to include individual lots for title deeds under Section 18 of the state's land code. As of April 30, 99,438 individual lots have been surveyed, covering 118,749 hectares or 293,429 acres, with land title deeds being issued under Section 18.

He emphasized the importance of claimants being present during the survey of their lands, clearly marking boundaries, and avoiding disputes to ensure a smoother process. The state government remains committed to the continuity of this survey programme, providing necessary funds alongside federal support.