JULAU: Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang said yesterday there should not be any delay in the payment of compensation to people whose land the government had acquired for development.
It should all the more be so if such land was free of disputes, controversies or quarrels, he said before presenting compensation totalling RM593,215 to 96 people whose lands were affected by the construction of the third phase of the 12km-long Pakan-Ulu Entabai and Merurun roads at Rh Liban anak Guang longhouse here.
The Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister said any delay could cause unnecessary anxiety, suspicion and even anger on the part of the owners.
He gave the assurance that despite any delay, the government would honour its promises to pay the compensation.
He urged officers of the Land and Survey Department to use their discretion when doing the state-wide perimeter survey to decide the boundaries between state and native customary rights (NCR) land.
“You will come across what the people will claim as their communal reserve land although this might not be recognised by the government.
“We must be prepared to give our acknowledgment and our acceptance of their claim based on certain old evidence against the official evidence for a win-win situation,” he said.
At the function, Salang also launched the Kanowit-Julau Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association under the chairmanship of Bakin anak Umpa.
He said the setting up of the association was timely for society to remember and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the soldiers in defending the country.
The association, he said, should reach out to those veterans who were now facing difficulties as they were not entitled to any pension.
He also presented the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal to nine members of the association. — Bernama