Don’t let disputes get in the way of projects — Entri

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Entri addressing the crowd on NCR land development.

BELURU: Approved projects on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land should proceed without delay and any problems or doubts should be addressed pragmatically, said Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entri.

The Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) and Assistant Minster of Agriculture (Farmers Organisation) was speaking at the briefing and dialogue at Rumah Ali in Sungai Sebukut in Bakong on Saturday.

The session was conducted by representatives from Pelita Holdings Sdn for owners of NCR land in Sungai Lutong-Bok which had been approved for joint-venture development of oil palm plantation.

Wanting the project to move faster, Entri called on the community to voice their concerns and doubts without reservation for the relevant authorities to address accordingly.

“Proceed with undisputed NCR land first and leave behind those with ownership dispute for consideration later so as to be fair to those who want to enjoy the fruit of this joint-venture early,” he said.

He said progress on the Bakong-Bok project was below expectation as only 567 out of 7,900 hectares had been planted although it was approved in 2008 and started before the last state election.

Entri said the joint-venture was the most pragmatic way of developing idle NCR land as the investor will come up with the development expenditure and management of the plantation which is beyond the means of the land owners.

As participants, he said the land owners and their children could be employed in the plantation while receiving dividends.

In his speech, Marudi district officer Mackos Sibong said the upcoming Bakong district and Lapok sub-district would augur well for bigger developments for the areas.

Iban community leader Pemanca Enggah Muga urged them to be pragmatic in their outlook and decision-making.

Among others present were 30 longhouse chiefs and community leaders in Bakong, Tinjar and Teru areas.