Latest news with #NangaSekuauResettlementScheme
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
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
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Nanga Sekuau SPS land ownership issues to be resolved promptly, says DPM Fadillah
SELANGAU; The issue of land ownership in the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme (SPS) will be resolved promptly through coordination between the federal and state governments, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the land in question, which was established during the Rajang Security Command (Rascom) era, was funded by the Federal Government and is currently undergoing coordination efforts. 'When the process is completed, the state government will be able to distribute the land to residents as promised, including for development and basic infrastructure,' he said at the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme Golden Jubilee celebration on Saturday (May 17). Fadillah, who also chairs the MK63 Technical Committee, emphasised that resolving the land issue is a prerequisite for implementing projects such as police stations, clinics, and schools. 'I will personally examine the status of the land and escalate the matter to the highest level,' he added. Reflecting on the history of the area, Fadillah explained that the Nanga Sekuau SPS was established in the 1970s as part of the Rascom security strategy to counter the threat posed by the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU), a strategy inspired by Malaysia's second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. 'Residents, particularly the Iban community, were relocated as part of efforts to strengthen security and provide infrastructure. Even special forces such as the F-Team were involved,' he said. Fadillah also expressed his support for a proposal to erect a memorial monument, similar to the one in Kanowit, to honour the services of residents in combating the communist threat. 'I support the idea in principle. With a complete proposal paper, we can bring the matter to a higher level,' he said. He further announced an allocation of RM560,000 for the renovation of longhouses, involving more than 600 doors, as well as RM1.3mil for the construction of a new multipurpose hall. He added that the water treatment plant project in the area is currently in the tender process and will be closely monitored to ensure its swift implementation. 'This Golden Jubilee celebration marks the beginning of more robust development in this area,' he concluded.
