Awang Tengah: Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 to modernise land governance in Sarawak

Borneo Post

20-05-2025

Awang Tengah delivers his speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 20): The state government has introduced the Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at modernising the State's land management and administration system in line with current economic, environmental, and technological demands, said Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Describing the amendments as timely and necessary, the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development said they come in response to Sarawak's rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape and increasing developmental pressures.
'This Bill seeks to streamline operational procedures, strengthen enforcement powers, refine planning policies, and incorporate digital innovations to ensure the State's land governance is transparent, efficient, and future-ready.
'These changes are aligned with Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030,' he added when tabling the Bill during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He said a key highlight of the Bill is the comprehensive regulation of rock materials and the revised Section 32A, which now requires proper licensing for the extraction, removal, and transportation of rock materials within the State, expanding the scope of the previous provision which only covered their removal.
Individuals or entities involved at any stage—on-site or during transit—must now obtain the necessary licence issued by the Director of Lands and Surveys Sarawak.
'Penalties for violations have been significantly raised, with offenders liable to fines between RM50,000 and RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. A legal presumption clause has been introduced, making those found in possession of rock materials liable unless proven otherwise.
'Courts are also mandated to impose a minimum payment of ten times the value of unpaid royalties or payments due to the government,' he said.
In addition, a newly inserted Section 32AA prohibits the transportation of rock materials out of Sarawak without a specific licence, or those found exporting without valid authorisation.
Those in breach of these may now face a fine of between RM100,000 and RM1 million, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Together, they provide a comprehensive legal framework to govern the extraction, internal movement, and external export of rock materials, ensuring the protection and proper monetisation of Sarawak's natural resources.
'Other important provisions in the Bill include the introduction of Section 171A, which formalises the registration of wakaf (religious endowment) land in the Land Registry. This move empowers Majlis Islam Sarawak and also extends to other religions with similar practices, reinforcing Sarawak's inclusive approach to land rights and religious diversity,' he said.
Meanwhile, he also said several enforcement-related sections have also been updated in which Section 209 now imposes a fine of up to RM500,000 or a jail term of up to five years for unlawful occupation, cultivation, or clearing of State land.
Section 230 increases penalties for unauthorised subdivision and development to a maximum of RM3 million, with an added daily fine of RM5,000 for continued offences while amendments to Sections 209A and 209B broaden the scope of enforcement, including enhanced powers of arrest, eviction, and seizure.
'To improve judicial processes, amendments to Sections 63 and 65 now require that assessor opinions in land reference cases be formally recorded and their fees standardised. Administrative changes such as simplified procedures for issuing duplicate titles and the digital submission of documents reflect the government's push towards a more efficient and paperless system,' he said.
Apart from that, he also said that the Bill also strengthens the powers of the State Planning Authority (SPA), allowing it to impose levies and fees related to development approvals and to regulate the submission of utility plans.
Concluding his speech, he said the amendments reaffirm the government's commitment to responsive and responsible land governance that can adapt to rapid urbanisation and technological growth.
He thus urged all members of the august House to support the Bill, stating that its passage is vital to ensuring sustainable and equitable development for all Sarawakians. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan DUN sitting Land Code (Amendment) Bill lead