Abang Jo: Over 1.25mln ha NCR land in Sarawak surveyed as of Aug 31

As of August 31, Sarawak has surveyed over 1.25 million hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced. While the government remains committed to accelerating the surveying and issuing of titles for these lands, Abang Johari emphasized that each piece of land represents families, history, livelihoods, and the future of generations to come.

The Premier outlined a roadmap for the next phase, which involves achieving end-to-end resolution from identifying the areas, surveying, verifying boundaries, to documentation, registration, and issuance of titles. He stressed that technology can accelerate this process, but engagement with landowners, communities, and stakeholders is crucial. Good processes and clear communication will reduce disputes, increase confidence, and protect the rights of people, he said.

NCR land is among six key frontiers that the Land and Survey Department aims to strengthen, alongside land-use planning, surveying and mapping systems, valuation functions, mineral resources governance, and making land data a strategic infrastructure for decision-making and the digital economy. Given Sarawak's rapid development, including expanding cities, industrial corridors, and infrastructure projects, forward-looking land-use planning has become essential.

Rising demand for housing, public facilities, and climate change necessitate planning that considers future suitability, safety, connectivity, and sustainability. The Premier highlighted the importance of integrating topographical, hydrological, land-use, infrastructure-network, and geospatial information to make planning evidence-based.

In terms of infrastructure, Abang Johari noted substantial investments in road and bridge projects, such as the Miri Bridge and Sibu Bridge, to provide connectivity to newly-developing areas. The government is also focused on flood mitigation, particularly in areas like Sibu and Bintulu, where increasing shallowness of rivers like Batang Kemena poses challenges. Technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and three-dimensional technology, is being leveraged for better planning and construction understanding.

The Premier also addressed the complexities of developing on peatlands, emphasizing that while challenging, innovative approaches like elevated roads could reduce long-term maintenance costs and minimise environmental impact. Sarawak is also exploring mineral resources, viewing them as a new frontier with associated responsibilities.

A delegation from Sarawak studied mineral technology in Canada, and the state is strengthening its mineral function within the Land and Survey Department. Surveying the continental shelf, despite its underwater nature, is becoming feasible with technological advancements. Precise knowledge of marine resources, their locations, values, and associated risks is crucial for responsible development.