Amended Land Code accommodates endowments for all religions in Sarawak, says Daro rep
Safiee Ahmad
KUCHING (May 21): The Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday, is significant because it introduced a new legal framework to govern matters relating to wakaf and endowment.
Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) said this is intended to formalise the registration and management of wakaf and endowment lands.
According to him, the amendment is not exclusive to any one religion, but has the inclusive intent of accommodating all religions practiced in Sarawak.
'Under this framework, landowners who wish to endow or dedicate their lands for religious or welfare purposes will now have a clear, efficient, and legally secure pathway to do so.
'No more unnecessary red tape and, most importantly, the noble intentions of landowners will no longer be hindered by legal uncertainty,' he said.
He said as Sarawak is a land of many cultures, ethnicities, and religions, the state's strength lies in Sarawakians' ability to live together in peace despite these differences.
'Therefore, it is only fitting that our laws evolve to reflect this multireligious and multicultural to ensure that such contributions are safeguarded and properly utilised for the benefit of future generations,' he said.
He stated the amendments also introduce clear and enforceable provisions to regulate the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak.
'This is a critical step in ensuring that our natural resources are responsibly managed and that Sarawak's rightful revenue from these resources is properly collected.
'By making licensing requirements legally enforceable and enabling the effective collection of fees and royalties, we are protecting not only our environment but also the economic interests of the state,' he explained.
He opined the move conveys a clear and firm message that the illegal extraction and transport of rock materials will not be condoned, and that all operators, whether from the public or private sector, are required to adhere strictly to established procedures.
The introduction of stringent penalties through the amendments serve as a critical deterrent against unlawful activities that deplete the state's natural resources, he said.
He stressed it is imperative that the law remains resolute and that its enforcement is both consistent and credible.
Safiee pointed out that approval periods for development proposals are now aligned with updated policies of the State Planning Authority (SPA) for greater certainty and efficiency in the planning process, reducing unnecessary delays, and improving transparency.
Additionally, the amendments introduce a new requirement for the submission of as-built utility data, a progressive step that supports the creation of a 3D utility mapping framework and the formation of dedicated committees.
'This is not just about data. It is about building the foundation for integrated spatial planning, underground infrastructure management, and ultimately, the Smart City vision of Sarawak.
'With accurate, real-time utility data, we can plan more intelligently, prevent costly infrastructure clashes, and build more sustainable urban centres,' he added. endowment lands Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 lead Safiee Ahmad
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First, the power balance shifted from one heavily federally dominated to one of state dominance as a result of the mutual understanding, which gives Sarawak increased authority over the extraction, development, and production of O&G resources inside its borders. This includes greater control over operational choices, profit-sharing, and direct access to its natural resources. Additionally, the deal enables Sarawak to develop its O&G industry knowledge and capabilities, generating jobs and promoting technological development in the state. Sarawak can strengthen its position and ensure future prosperity by ensuring that future development is in line with its nuanced needs and priorities rather than being limited by federal interests. This can be achieved by having a defining say in resource management decisions. * Toman Mamora is 'Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022', recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). He remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value. MA63 oil and gas PDA Petronas Petros sarawak
