(Kuching, 21st) Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karlin today, during a land ownership distribution ceremony at Kampung Moyan Laut, reminded villagers not to risk easily handing over newly acquired land to 'Ah Long' loan sharks.
During the ceremony of handing over 66 land ownerships to local landowners according to Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code, Abdul Karlin, who is also the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, reminded recipients that while legitimate ownership can bring security, it may also open doors to irresponsible lending.
“Some people become overly excited when they receive ownership and forget that it can be used as collateral. If you go to a bank without ownership, you will be rejected. But if you own land, even Ah Longs will come knocking.”
Abdul Karlin further expressed concern over the increasing residents losing their land. These residents use land for short-term loans to purchase items like motorcycles or cars but struggle to repay due to high-interest rates.
“I am concerned because many people lose land this way. They borrow small loans and when they cannot repay, the land gets transferred to a third party, or to an Ah Long.”
In light of this, he urged everyone to safeguard their land and not give it up easily.
The land ownership certificates distributed today are part of Sarawak Land and Survey Department's initiative to officially recognize traditional village plots.
A total of 57 recipients received ownership certificates. Under Section 18, these certificates are issued free of charge, with all survey fees, premiums, and taxes fully covered by the Sarawak government.
“This is the most favorable type of land ownership in Sarawak. It is free for recipients and offers perpetual ownership — as long as the moon and stars are still in the sky, the land will always be yours.”
However, he reminded the public that the government can still use lands under Section 18 for public purposes under Sections 47 or 48 of the Land Code, provided reasonable compensation is paid.
He also acknowledged that many villages in Sarawak face long waits for land surveys.
“There are over 5,000 kampungs in Sarawak, and we cannot process everything overnight.”
“But if your kampung has not been surveyed yet, please be patient. Submit a formal application through your community leader, and your time will come.”
Meanwhile, Abdul Karlin praised the Land and Survey Department for processing Kampung Moyan Laut's application in just over two years, noting that compared to some areas waiting up to 15 years, this is quite fast.
As of today, the department has surveyed 58,194 traditional village plots statewide, with 52,915 already granted deeds.
250421tcb03. Dato Sri Abdul Karlin (left 3) hands over a land deed to a recipient with mobility difficulties.