Serian: DAP Serian has raised alarm over the low participation in the Bidayuh Native Customary Land Documentation Project (LDP), saying the issue stems from weaknesses in implementation rather than a lack of interest among villagers.
According to DAP Serian Committee Brolin Nicholsion, only 58 out of 113 villages in Serian have taken part in the project, while participation in Tebedu is even lower, with just 14 villages involved despite many more in the district.
Brolin said that the persistently low participation rate after more than a decade signals deeper systemic problems.
“After more than a decade of implementation, persistently low participation shows that the real problem lies not with the people, but with weaknesses in the implementation system itself,” he said in a statement.
He added that the issue is not merely about numbers but involves the future recognition of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land and the preservation of the Bidayuh community’s heritage.
“Low participation in the LDP is a clear signal that the current approach requires urgent improvement.
“Protecting customary land is not solely the responsibility of the community; it is a trust that must be carried out efficiently, transparently, and inclusively,” he said.
He pointed to inadequate outreach, limited technical and legal support, and weak governance as key factors contributing to the situation.
“The absence of clear performance indicators and public progress reporting has also led to delays without meaningful outcomes, increasing risks of land disputes and loss of rights over time.
“We proposed measures such as mobile engagement teams, free technical and legal assistance, wider awareness campaigns, and clearer district-level targets to improve participation,” he said.
Brolin, who is also Special Officer to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, urged authorities to take immediate steps to strengthen implementation, warning that failure to act could undermine public confidence and affect future generations.
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