Long-standing land ownership dispute at Nanga Sekuau to be settled amicably via state-federal cooperation, says DPM Fadillah
(Seated, from first left) Mancha, Gira and Fadillah witness the 'miring' ritual during the Golden Jubilee celebration today.
SELANGAU (May 17): Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof has assured that the long-standing land ownership issue at the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme will be resolved amicably through cooperation between the federal and state governments, prioritising the welfare of the local community.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the resettlement scheme today, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister explained that technical constraints involving lands previously funded by the federal government had impeded the full implementation of development projects in the area.
'We have now reached a mutual agreement between the federal and state governments to return these lands to the state government.
'This will enable the state to distribute the land to residents as previously promised and use it to develop essential infrastructure such as a police station, clinic, and school,' he said.
Fadillah, who also chairs the MA63 Technical Committee, stressed that resolving the land ownership issue is a vital prerequisite for further physical development in the resettlement area.
He said as long as the land issue remains unresolved, other development projects cannot proceed in full.
'Therefore, I am committed to expediting the resolution process through the appropriate channels at both the federal and state levels,' he said.
He highlighted that the decision to return unused federal lands to the state aligns with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which seeks to strengthen cooperation between the two levels of government.
Meanwhile, Fadillah also announced an immediate allocation of RM560,000 for the repair and upgrading of longhouses, covering more than 600 doors in the area.
In addition, RM1.3 million has been approved for the construction of a multi-purpose hall to serve the local community.
'I urge the MP and assembly to engage with the community to determine priority projects, including the relocation of a flood-prone school,' he said.
Among those present at the event were Selangau MP Edwin Banta, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, 9th Malaysian Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Jafri Sulaiman, Selangau District Officer Yalin Asan, local councillors, and community leaders among others.
Earlier, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang raised concerns about land grants, pointing out that the residents of Sekuau have yet to receive legal ownership of their land despite living in the resettlement area for over 50 years.
'We appeal for this matter to be given priority. Legal ownership not only gives peace of mind to residents but also enables them to develop their land in a more planned and competitive manner,' he said. fadillah yusof land dispute Nanga Sekuau
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