TAWAU: The mediation in the land dispute case between seven companies and 127 Murut families represented by five representatives is making good progress.
“We are in the process of mediation proceeding under Judicial Commissioner Datuk Douglas Cristo Primus Sikayun and both parties are making good progress towards the pending settlement,” said counsel Datuk Kong Hong Ming who is defending the 127 families.
Outside the court yesterday, Kong briefed representatives of the families that the judge had directed the State Attorney General on behalf of the Land and Survey Department and State Government to study and verify the plans submitted by both parties and to put forward their proposal and recommendation to the court.
The next mediation will be on January 30 next year.
The case between plaintiffs Usahawan Borneo Sdn Bhd, Cita Purnama Sdn Bhd, Elite Acres Sdn Bhd, Eramis Jaya Sdn Bhd, Grace Mark Sdn Bhd, Hantaran Makmur Sdn Bhd and Pokok Subur Sdn Bhd against Sipon @ Danniel bin Tunjian, Kilawn bin Samputin, Miller bin Tungkat, Dereianus bin Unkis and Anthony bin Silokon was heard in chamber yesterday.
The defendants claim to have Native Customary Rights (NCR) over the disputed land. On July 19, 2011 the same court dismissed the order for possession obtained by eight companies evicting the villagers in Kampung Serudong Laut, Sebatik, Tawau after having granted a stay of execution of the order on July 5, 2011.
The companies filed a new suit to recover the land that was given title and the villagers counter sued the companies to recover 1,381 cares of customary land based on NCR.
With consent from both parties, Sikayun holds a mediation to resolve disputes and claims.