TINJAR, Baram: Participants of Pelita Ekong-Banyok Plantation Sdn Bhd yesterday enjoyed the fruits of joint development on their native customary right (NCR) lands via the government or private sector.
Dennis (standing, third right) witnessing the distribution of dividends to participants of Pelita Ekong-Banyok Plantation Sdn Bhd.
It was a windfall for 216 participants from Sungai Sebubu, Sungai Sebatu, Long Ekang, Long Banyok and Longan Sibong as they received Amanah Saham Sarawak (Assar) dividends amounting to RM355,230.30 through development of their NCR lands by LCDA and Rimbunan Sawit.
“It is worthwhile to invest or in allowing the private sector to open and develop our native customary rights land. Rather than leaving it idle when we can get something out from it.
“It is hard to believe that we can get this amount of money from our land,” said one of the participants.
“I can assure that the land would (still) remain or belong to us and not as claimed by certain group and the opposition,” he added, hoping that more NCR land owners will open their eyes and develop their land without hesitation.
The ceremony was held at the plantation office in Tinjar, Baram by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
“Rather than leaving the land idle as a playground for monkeys and wild animals, it would be worth it if the land is developed to generate income.
“Don’t doubt development when it can initiate projects to bring socio-economic change,” said Dennis who reminded skeptical owners not to listen to claims that they risk losing the land if it were to be developed by the government or private sectors.
Assured that they will retain rights to the land, Dennis said the government has no avarice to take away what belongs to the people.
“In fact, they were indirectly given the land deed or assured of their rights to the land once they agreed to participate in the scheme.
“The process is done in proper manner or channel and as such there is no question of losing their lands,” he added.
Apart from generating income for the community, Dennis said other welcome changes include better infrastructure such as road and opportunity to do business.
On the dividend, Dennis advised them to make good use of the money and not to overspend.