Kuching: The authorities have yet to provide a clear timeline for the proposed acquisition and compensation of private land used for a public road and drainage system in Batu Kawa, despite the matter having dragged on for more than three years.
Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng, said he requested a clear timeline from the Public Works Department (JKR) during a meeting yesterday involving the landowner and representatives from JKR, the Land and Survey Department, Padawan Municipal Council, and the Sarawak Premier’s Department.
However, Sim said officials were unable to provide a specific timeframe for preparing and implementing the proposed land acquisition plan.
He said JKR had acknowledged the landowner’s concerns and would conduct further internal discussions before preparing a proposal on the acquisition of the affected land.
“Now that all the relevant parties have finally met at the site, JKR should expedite the preparation of the land acquisition proposal and give the landowner a clear indication of how the government intends to resolve the matter. We do not want another situation where everyone goes back for meetings and the landowner is left waiting indefinitely,” Sim said.
The dispute concerns private land that has been used for years for a road and drainage facilities connecting the Batu Kawa old market area and Batu Kawa Upper Bayor.
However, the development effectively divided what was originally a single piece of private land into two, significantly affecting the integrity, accessibility, and usability of the property.
According to Sim, the landowner had repeatedly approached the relevant authorities and sought Chong’s assistance in 2023. Chong subsequently wrote to the Land and Survey Department in July 2023 and followed up again in 2024.
Sim said he would continue following up with JKR and the relevant agencies until the acquisition and compensation procedures were expedited.
“This matter has dragged on for more than three years. The landowner and our team have approached the relevant departments and repeatedly raised the issue.
“If the government needs private land for public development, then it must acquire it according to the law and compensate the owner accordingly.
“It is simply unacceptable to use someone’s land for years without giving the landowner a proper explanation or resolution,” he said.
Sim also said the landowner had agreed not to block the road temporarily while awaiting further action from the authorities but stressed that such cooperation must be matched with concrete progress.
“We can cooperate, and we can ask the landowner not to block the road for the time being. But the authorities must also show sincerity and take action. This matter cannot simply be delayed again,” he said.
