Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed in DUN
Awang Tengah said these amendments were essential for strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 20): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said these amendments were essential for strengthening Sarawak's land management and administration, ensuring it remains efficient, adaptable and aligned with the current best practice of governance standards.
'Essentially, these amendments are pivotal to enhancing service delivery to the people, and advancing the objectives of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as we work collectively towards a developed Sarawak for the benefit of all,' he said in his winding-up speech after the Bill was passed after its third reading.
One key point of the Bill is the comprehensive regulation of rock materials and the revised Section 32A, which now requires proper licensing for the extraction, removal and transportation of rock materials within the state.
Individuals or entities involved at any stage — on-site or during transit — must now obtain the necessary licence issued by the Director of Lands and Surveys.
In addition, a newly inserted Section 32AA prohibits the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak without a specific licence or those found exporting without valid authorisation.
Those in breach of these may face a fine of between RM100,000 and RM1 million, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Other important provisions in the Bill include the introduction of Section 171A, which formalises the registration of wakaf (religious endowment) land in the Land Registry.
This move empowers Majlis Islam Sarawak and also extends to other religions with similar practices, reinforcing Sarawak's inclusive approach to land rights and religious diversity.
Section 230 increases penalties for unauthorised subdivision and development to a maximum of RM3 million, with an added daily fine of RM5,000 for continued offences while amendments to Sections 209A and 209B broaden the scope of enforcement, including enhanced powers of arrest, eviction, and seizure.
To improve judicial processes, amendments to Sections 63 and 65 now require that assessor opinions in land reference cases be formally recorded and their fees standardised.
Administrative changes such as simplified procedures for issuing duplicate titles and the digital submission of documents reflect the government's push towards a more efficient and paperless system.
A total of 16 august House members debated on the Bill.
When thanking them, the Deputy Premier said they provided constructive views and suggestions when debating.
'Many thoughtful opinions and views have been presented, and we assure you that all constructive views and comments will be considered in our efforts to implement amendments to this Bill.' Awang Tengah Ali Hasan DUN sitting Land Code (Amendment) Bill
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