KUCHING: A total of 59 land titles for Kampung Kudei Baru were presented to their rightful owners yesterday.

At the presentation ceremony, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the village was one of the traditional villages in the state and owners who could present proofs of ownership ought to be given land titles.

“I have amended the land ordinance and this includes NCR land. Being a traditional village, Bumiputeras are entitled to the land if they have the documentation,” he said.

Abang Johari also highlighted the state government’s new policy on housing development.

“Now there is a new policy. All the costs of embankment, paving of roads and installation of electricity poles are funded by the state government.

“We have to do this as we expect a lot of migrants to come to Kuching to work. That is why we have to provide the best infrastructure (for them).”

Abang Johari (left) shares a light moment with Patimah Kushairi, 78, who donated her piece of land to Surau Al-Amin Kampung Kudei Baru while her son Rasdi Ahmad and Zaidi (right) look on. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

Land and Survey Department director Abdullah Julaihi echoed Abang Johari’s views and reiterated that the land titles given were in perpetuity.

“For these lots, there is no charge imposed by the department for surveying and there is also no land tax imposed.

“In Kuching, there are some 93 traditional villages which we have surveyed and we have given over 18,480 land titles to the owners,” he added.

Also present were DBKU mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources Zaidi Mahdi and PBB Satok deputy chairman Ibrahim Baki.