Historic step towards legal recognition for long-standing villages - CM
SANDAKAN (Aug 16): The State Government is paying close attention to the plight of residents who have long settled in villages that have yet to be officially gazetted, including those located within forest reserves, to ensure they can remain on the land legally.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said this was the reason behind recent efforts to gazette long-standing settlements, as demonstrated through the approval of approximately 40,000 acres of land for this purpose.
He said the land, covering areas in Sipitang, Tenom and several other districts, is now officially recognised as village land, a clear reflection of the government's commitment to resolving long-standing issues faced by rural communities.
'We want to assure our people that they have a legal place to call home, no longer labelled as squatters, but recognised residents of established villages,' said Hajiji.
'During the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting, we approved the release of 40,000 acres from forest reserves and state land to be converted into legal village areas. This is the approach taken by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government, one that genuinely cares for the people, their settlements and their future, especially those in need.'
Hajiji was speaking at the Land Allocation Ceremony for the Gazettement of Kampung Karamunting Baharu, held at the open hall of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Karamunting on Friday.
During the event, he witnessed the official handover of a plot of land under the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), which will be gazetted as Native Reserve Land for the village.
Also present were Minister of Community Development and People's Well-being, Datuk James Ratib; Karamunting Assemblyman, Datuk George Hiew; Kuamut Assemblyman, Datuk Masiung Banah; Telupid Assemblyman, Datuk Jonnybone Kurum; Nominated Assemblyman, Datuk Jaffari Waliam; Senator Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian, and MPS President Walter Kenson.
Hajiji described the occasion as a historic moment for the residents of Kampung Karamunting Baharu, not merely the handover of land, but more importantly, the official recognition of their right to live on land they have occupied for more than 30 years.
In acknowledging efforts by Karamunting Assemblyman Datuk George Hiew, Hajiji expressed appreciation for George's persistent advocacy in ensuring the gazettement of Kampung Karamunting Baharu.
'Datuk George met me several times, not only to raise concerns about Kampung Karamunting Baharu but also other issues in his constituency. He has never grown tired of bringing up the people's needs,' said Hajiji.
'Earlier, he mentioned solar light installations in various villages, proof that he's working hard. I sincerely hope that in the coming election, the people will once again place their trust in him. If our elected representative is dedicated, why replace him with someone untested?
'I appreciate George's support for the government. Let's not be distracted by what the opposition says whether it's about frogs or anything else what matters most is that we serve the people,' he said.
Separately, Hajiji reminded local authorities across the state to improve their service delivery, especially in simplifying public dealings such as business license applications.
He lauded the initiative by the Sandakan Municipal Council, led by Walter, in shortening the business licensing process from weeks to just a single day.
'If a process can be simplified, don't make it harder for the people, especially those in the villages. We must cultivate empathy. If something can be made easier, make it easier, don't complicate it further. That's not the kind of attitude we should encourage.
'Do your best to assist our people. Don't burden them with unnecessary bureaucracy or endless excuses. In today's day and age, the government system must improve,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Hajiji urges Muslim youth to step up as change-makers
Musa, Abang Johari, Shahelmey and Ariffin with participants and guests during the opening of the International Youth Leadership Training programme at SICC. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 16): The International Youth Leadership Training programme is a vital platform to mould Muslim youth into future leaders and agents of change, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. 'The world needs your ideas, your energy and your vision. The challenges we face today require fresh perspectives and bold actions,' he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya at the opening ceremony of the programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Saturday. Hajiji said it is essential to nurture the leadership potential of young people and encourage them to take an active role in community and nation-building. 'We want to see our youth continue to rise to leadership challenges. Fostering their involvement in leadership training and community initiatives is crucial in preparing them to face the complexities of the modern world,' he said. Organised by the Regional Islamic Da'wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP) in collaboration with the United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia), the event gathered youth leaders from 12 Southeast Asia and Pacific countries. It is also supported by various state and federal government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Hajiji expressed hope that the training would provide opportunities for participants to enhance their leadership skills, build meaningful connections and learn from each other's experiences. 'Leadership is not merely about holding positions. It is about influence, responsibility and serving others. Step out of your comfort zones, embrace new ideas and engage with your peers. Make this journey one of growth and inspiration,' he said. The event was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, who launched the programme. Also present were Premier of Sarawak and RISEAP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Ariffin Arif.
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Hajiji puts trust in Beluran trio ahead of polls
Hajiji, accompanied by Samad, officiated the handover of land grants for the Beluran district at the launch ceremony of the 2025 Labuk Festival on Saturday. BELURAN (Aug 16): With the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) on the horizon, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has called on voters in Beluran to rally behind Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), emphasising the importance of political stability and continuity in driving long-term development. Addressing a crowd during the launch of Pesta Labuk Beluran 2025 on Saturday, Hajiji said he was confident that GRS would retain all three state seats in the district namely Telupid, Sugut and Labuk, in the upcoming polls. 'We're nearing five years of administration. The election isn't far off, and I want all three constituencies in Beluran to be won by GRS. Support the candidates from our coalition,' he urged. The Chief Minister also cautioned the public against being misled by what he described as slander and misinformation propagated by the opposition. 'Don't be too quick to believe their accusations and lies. Every day, they manufacture slander, even while sleeping, they are dreaming up falsehoods,' he remarked. He stressed that the people should remain focused on the progress and development achieved under GRS, instead of being distracted by divisive narratives. 'We must move forward. Let's not allow these malicious tactics to derail our unity or the future we're building,' he said. Hajiji expressed strong confidence in the re-election prospects of GRS assemblymen Datuk Samad Jambri (Labuk), Datuk James Ratib (Sugut) and Datuk Jonnybone Kurum (Telupid), praising their work on the ground and dedication to their constituents. 'InsyaAllah, after the election, GRS will continue to lead the government. Samad will win again here in Labuk. James and Jonnybone too. We must unite to ensure they succeed,' Hajiji said. Samad has been the state assemblyman for Labuk since 2020. A member of Gagasan Rakyat, a key party in the GRS coalition, he has played an active role in rural infrastructure development and economic empowerment programmes in the district. He currently serves as the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister. James is the current Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing. Formerly with Umno, he joined Gagasan Rakyat and has since been a vocal advocate for healthcare access, social welfare and native land rights. Meanwhile, Jonnybone represents Telupid and is aligned with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), one of the founding components of GRS. Touching on long-standing land issues, Hajiji also called on Yayasan Sabah to review claims by villagers who have occupied foundation-owned land for decades. 'They've been living there for generations. If possible, we should allocate this land as village reserve. We are a caring government, and we want our people to have certainty in their livelihoods,' he said. He stressed that the state government must prioritise resolving land tenure issues affecting informal settlers and rural communities to ensure long-term stability and development.
Daily Express
12 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah to gazette long-settled villages
Published on: Saturday, August 16, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji and other leaders with some of the villagers at the event. - Pic by CMD SANDAKAN: The State Government is giving attention to long-established villages that have yet to be gazetted, including those in forest reserves, to ensure residents can continue living there legally. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the move included the recent approval of about 40,000 acres of land to be gazetted as villages in areas such as Sipitang, Tenom and several other districts. He said the gazetting exercise demonstrates the government's commitment to resolving long-standing issues faced by villagers, many of whom have lived on the land for generations. Hajiji said this assurance means villagers will no longer be seen as squatters but recognised as legitimate residents in settlements they have called home for decades. He was speaking at the Land Allocation Ceremony for the gazettement of Kampung Karamunting Baharu at SK Karamunting Open Hall on Friday, where he witnessed the handover of land owned by the Sandakan Municipal Council to be gazetted as Native Reserve Land. Hajiji described the event as a historic moment for the community, not only as a handover of land but also as recognition of the rights and history of residents who have lived in the area for more than 30 years. He also urged local authorities across Sabah to ease dealings with the public, citing Sandakan Municipal Council's recent effort to cut business licence approvals from weeks to just one day as an example of how services can be improved. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
