Latest news with #NativeCustomaryRights
Borneo Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Doppa demands ‘no risk' exemption from EU for indigenous Dayak palm oil farmers
Data from Sarawak shows 48,000 independent smallholders are actively involved in supplying the 85 mills that process their oil palm harvests. – Bernama photo KUCHING (May 30): The Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (Doppa) is calling on the European Union (EU) to grant a 'no risk' exemption for indigenous farmers in Sarawak, following the EU's decision to classify Malaysia as Standard Risk under its deforestation regulations. The livelihoods of the indigenous people in Sarawak who depend on farming will be affected if the EU fails to take into account the negative impacts of the listing on the indigenous people in Sarawak, Doppa President Napolean R. Ningkos said in a press statement today. 'Doppa sees the EU as an unjust body that failed to engage directly with those most affected by the regulations and relied instead on misinformation created by third parties to exclude smallholders in Sarawak from the EU market,' he claimed. Data from Sarawak shows 48,000 independent smallholders are actively involved in supplying the 85 mills that process their oil palm harvests. 'Our concern is that while established big plantation companies may have the ability to provide proof of traceability for corporate oil palm plantations, the amount of paperwork required under Standard Risk may push corporate mills that supply the EU market to cut off independent smallholders,' he stressed. He also criticised the EU's reliance on satellite mapping to monitor compliance, arguing that such technology is flawed when applied to indigenous lands in Sarawak. 'There is zero risk of deforestation for palm oil by Dayak farmers in Sarawak. All of our farms, whether existing or to be planted after the compliance date on December 2025, will be on old farmlands.' 'Satellite mapping is faulty in that it may detect activity on overgrown fallow lands as new deforestation,' he said. 'The EU must be informed that the indigenous Dayaks of Sarawak were largely subsistence farmers who practised shifting cultivation before switching to oil palm cultivation in the 1990s. 'Our farms can only be cultivated after land titles are granted under the Sarawak Land Code, which recognises Native Customary Rights (NCR) as legitimate land ownership. The baseline for obtaining a land title is that our forefathers must have already developed the land,' he explained. He urged the EU to recognise that no forests were cleared for oil palm, cocoa, or rubber farms operated by indigenous Dayak smallholders. 'The oil palm fruits produced by Dayak farmers in Sarawak represent one of the clearest examples of a no-deforestation supply. Yet, the EU's regulations threaten to remove us from their market,' he said. Doppa insists that granting a 'no risk' exemption is the only fair way to ensure indigenous farmers are not punished by regulations they are unequipped to comply with.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: 30 areas in Opar approved for NCR land perimeter surveys, over 1,400 titles issued
Len Talif said 10 villages have been approved. Of these, two villages have been fully surveyed, with 415 land titles issued for one of them. – Roy KUCHING (May 22): A total of 30 areas within the Opar constituency have been approved for perimeter surveys of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land as of April 30 this year, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh. Of the 30 areas, 26 have been surveyed, with 18 gazetted as Native Communal Reserves (Agriculture) while several other areas are still undergoing the survey process, including one facing objections, he said. 'In the second phase, nine areas have been approved for individual lot surveys, with three areas completed and five others still in progress,' said Len Talif at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, in response to a question from Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang. He also reported that 1,411 land titles have been issued under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code. Regarding traditional village land surveys, Len Talif said 10 villages have been approved. Of these, two villages have been fully surveyed, with 415 land titles issued for one of them. 'Surveys for the remaining eight villages will commence soon, subject to the readiness of the land claimants on the ground,' he added. During a supplementary question session, Len Talif emphasised that the effectiveness of the survey process depends heavily on cooperation from the applicants. 'Land claimants must be prepared for their land to be surveyed by identifying and marking boundaries, and by submitting a rough sketch plan along with a list of claimants' names,' he explained. He noted that areas affected by disputes or the absence of claimant presence in the field have experienced delays in the survey process. 'Let us work together to resolve any disputes and disagreements among claimants to ensure the successful surveying of individual lots and the timely issuance of land titles,' he said. On the survey of 'pemakai menoa' and 'pulau galau' (native territorial domain), Len Talif said that Sarawak Bumiputera communities may submit their claims by completing the NTD A form, which is available at the Land and Survey Department counters or can be downloaded from the department's website. DUN Land Survey Len Talif NCR
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Land and Survey Dept reviews outdated policies to improve service delivery, says Bintulu superintendent
Haslinda says this ongoing process also opens opportunities for creativity and innovation, leading to more efficient work processes and better outcomes for the people. BINTULU (May 15): The Land and Survey Department remains proactive in reviewing its outdated policies and work procedures to ensure optimal service delivery, said its Bintulu superintendent Haslinda Hamdan. She said this ongoing process also opens opportunities for creativity and innovation, leading to more efficient work processes and better outcomes for the people. 'We are committed to fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders and maintaining a high level of cooperation and mutual respect,' she said during the handover of land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code here today. The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Adding on, Haslinda highlighted the need for public servants to evolve with the times. 'Public service can no longer operate based on outdated routines. Delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and waiting for instructions must be eliminated,' she said. Echoing the call by State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, she stressed the adoption of the 3R approach – Revisit, Rethink, and Recharge – within the Sarawak civil service to raise service standards across all agencies. Furthermore, Haslinda pointed out that the Sarawak government continues to recognise and uphold native customary rights over land proven to be valid under existing laws. She said since the Native Customary Rights (NCR) perimeter survey initiative was introduced in 2010, the measurement of individual land lots under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code has been conducted in areas gazetted under Section 6 of the same Code. 'The process of issuing land titles involves multiple stages and requires close cooperation between claimants and the government. Today's ceremony is a testament to the strategic collaboration and dedicated efforts of all involved public servants and agencies.' She said to date, a total of 1,200,766 hectares of NCR land have been surveyed statewide and 935,760 hectares have been gazetted. For Bintulu Division, 85,615 hectares have been surveyed and 45,398 hectares have been gazetted. The ceremony saw a total of 345 land titles covering 1,186 hectares presented to owners from six areas, including communities under the Kakus, Murum, Jepak, and Kemena constituencies. Bintulu Haslinda Hamdan Land and Survey Department outdated policies
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
NCR land surveys to continue for valid claims, says Deputy Premier
Awang Tengah (seated, fourth left) and others in a photo call with the title recipients. Seated at second and third left are Iskandar and Chukpai, respectively. BINTULU (May 15): Perimeter surveys of Native Customary Rights (NRC) land will continue for as long as needed but only for landowners who present valid legal evidence and consent to the process, said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. The Deputy Premier said the Sarawak government is committed to the NCR survey initiative, but stressed that surveys will not proceed if ownership disputes remain unresolved or if the matter is still before the courts. 'If any dispute exists, especially if a case is still in court, the survey will not proceed unless the legal action is withdrawn and a new application is submitted. 'The government has always recognised NCR land, not just recently but since the 1960s. What we're doing now is building on that commitment with better processes,' he said during a land title handover ceremony here today. He clarified that the survey process is conducted in two stages: perimeter survey and individual lot survey. He added that since 2010, more than 1.2 million hectares—nearly three million acres—have been surveyed under this initiative. 'However, rapid development in rural areas has triggered a rise in disputes, overlapping claims, and tension among communities. 'That's why the government stepped in to expedite the surveying process, reduce conflict, and ensure everyone's rights are protected,' he said, urging claimants not to blame the government if surveys cannot proceed due to unresolved internal conflicts. 'If it's truly your land and you have proof, submit an application. The government will assess it fairly. But if it's not your land, don't make false claims.' He also addressed concerns about Section 6 documents which were often misconstrued by the public. 'Some say (Sarawak Land Code) Section 6 documents do not prove ownership. If you don't believe in it, return the document. But to date, no one has,' he said. Awang Tengah added that once a perimeter survey is completed and ownership verified, landowners can apply for land titles under Section 18, which offer perpetual ownership, exemption from premium charges, and no land tax. 'This is the government's promise to the people. As long as the moon and stars remain, the land remains yours,' he said. Also present at the handover ceremony were Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon. Awang Tengah Land Survey ncr land
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS sets out to help become ‘voice' of NCR landowners
Dr Bayang Teron SIBU (April 30): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has offered itself as the main channel for Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners in Sarawak, in an effort to resolve the ongoing polemic surrounding the recognition and surveying of such assets. PBDS vice-president Dr Bayang Teron stressed that PBDS was committed to 'being the voice of the Dayak people' in fighting for their NCR land rights, which had been increasingly constrained by the existing policies and legal frameworks. 'PBDS calls upon all NCR landowners to come to our office with complete information and documentation regarding their lands. 'We will collect this data as a strong foundation to advocate for their rights through official negotiations with the Sarawak government,' he said in a statement yesterday. The call was made following a statement by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who previously stated that NCR land currently involved in court disputes would not be surveyed by the government, while those without any disputes could undergo surveying. Commenting further, Bayang said the statement highlighted the need for a new, more inclusive and transparent mechanism to address NCR land issues so that the people would not be continuously marginalised and denied of their rights due to technicalities or lack of official documentation. 'PBDS will not remain silent. 'We will go to the grassroots to hold dialogues with the landowners, collect names and bring all this information to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led state government under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, towards seeking the best solution.' Bayang said under the leadership of party president Major (Rtd) Moses Ripai, PBDS was taking a strategic and holistic approach in addressing people's issues, particularly concerning customary land ownership, which had been the lifeblood of the Dayak community for generations. He also called upon Dayak representatives within the GPS government to be 'braver and more responsible' in championing this issue openly. 'This (matter) not only involves legal rights, but also the identity, heritage and dignity of the Dayak people. 'This is not merely an issue of land ownership; it is an issue of the survival of the Dayak ethnic group. 'The relationship between the Dayak community and other ethnic groups in Sarawak largely depends on justice in matters of customary land ownership.' Bayang also stressed that solving the NCR land issue would require genuine political commitment, administrative transparency, and a willingness to listen to the voices from the grassroots. 'PBDS will continue to play its role as a catalyst for the dialogue between the people and the government in the pursuit of social justice and the long-term well-being of the people of Sarawak.' Dr Bayang Teron lead ncr land Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak
