Innovation, integrity Drive S’wak Land and Survey Dept’s progress

KUCHING: Innovation and integrity are two wings that lift the Land and Survey Department (JTS) to greater heights in supporting Sarawak’s development agenda, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said in the efforts to develop Sarawak into a high-income advanced state by 2030, land has become a critical factor in nearly every aspect of development.

“Innovation ensures the department stays ahead with creative and effective solutions, while integrity forms the foundation of every action based on honesty, fairness, and trust.

“Hence, land management requires the highest level of integrity. Every officer must realise that any breach of integrity not only damages the department’s reputation but also erodes public trust in the government.

“All land-related decisions, be it acquisition, ownership, or surveying, must have clear documentation and be reviewable by the relevant authorities,” he said.

He said this in his text speech read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan when officiating at the Sarawak Land and Survey Innovation and Integrity Day (HIITS) 2025 closing ceremony held at a hotel here, yesterday (Aug 22).

Abang Johari added that society today is increasingly aware of transparency in government dealings.

“Therefore, processes such as land acquisition, surveying, and approval decisions must be carried out with full accountability. In facing these challenges, innovation is key.

“With this, I am very proud to see the department’s efforts in transforming LASIS into LASIS Next-Gen, which not only aligns with the latest technology but also adapts to the digitalisation needs of land services, modern geospatial systems, and citizen-friendly online applications,” he added.

He said that this transformation not only improves the efficiency of service delivery but also strengthens transparency, expands access to information, and builds public confidence in the government’s ability to manage land professionally and with integrity.

“However, innovation must not stop at creating systems and applications.

“I urge that this culture of innovation be continuously strengthened, producing practical solutions that benefit the people,” he said.