Sarawak govt faces accusations in rising land scams, Premier urges caution

Abang Johari speaks during the press conference at Sungai Bedaun Housing Scheme, Kuching on Jan 6, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Jan 6: The Sarawak government is on the receiving end of rising land scams as victims accused it for stealing the ‘promised’ lands, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He explained that scammers would usually pose as the owner of vacant government-owned lands and put up those property on sale at a minimum value of RM5,000 or RM10,000.

When that happens, he said the buyers would start building their houses on that piece of illegal land.

“Thus, when the Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS) look into the land’s ownership, the illegal land turns out to be State land so we are forced into asking them to move out.

“From here, the victims would start to accuse the government of taking their lands when the land in fact belongs to the government,” he told a press conference after a visit at Sungai Bedaun Housing Scheme at Jalan Sultan Tengah here today.

Despite the finger-pointing from the victims, he said the government has proof of the land belonging to the government according to JTS’s record.

Abang Johari further cited two identified land scam cases occurring in Kuching near a new road from Sumber Alam Sanctuary leading up to Kampung Samariang Pinggir as well as Jalan Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (Jalan FAC).

“Therefore, I wish to remind the people to not be swayed by the scammers and always refer to the JTS on the land ownership.

“I request the people to be really careful on this matter because I sympathise with the victims who had already build their houses on the illegal land and asked to move out by the authorities later. Not to mention, that involves a high cost,” he added.

He also requested all village chiefs and community leaders to play their role in working together with the JTS to combat the land scam issue. – DayakDaily