Saying that Katibas area actually needed land development, 40 community leaders who represented land owners from the area have agreed that their native customary right (NCR) land be developed by Salcra.
They came forward to rebut the claim made by Sibu MP Oscar Ling recently whom they accused as being insensitive to the needs of the people of Katibas-Song.
In a joint press statement issued here yesterday, three community leaders from Katibas-Song namely Tuai Rumah Sapai Ajom from Ng Ngerarau, Ulu Katibas; Tuai Rumah Belang Jarau, from Sg Iran, Song; and Tuai Rumah Richard Nujung of Ng Beguang, Song, said that as a member of parliament, Ling should have known better because development projects could not be implemented haphazardly.
“The government, as agent of modernisation, has introduced legislation (Environment Quality Act 1974) to minimise the impact on the environment and to pressure the industry to embrace science and technology and to be more environmentally responsible,” they said.
They added that they had seen what Salcra had done to help the rural people in Bau, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong.
“We have seen their lives have changed for the better compared to the past. DAP, on the other hand, even before we get started, has already tried to deny us the chance to improve our livelihood,” they said
They said the landowners in Song had made their request after they heard about Salcra’s success in developing other areas.
“So far, Salcra officers have come to explain their concept and development policy to the people and have asked the people here which area they wanted to develop for oil palm.
“We see Ling as just paying lip service. He doesn’t understand how very hungry the people are for development. No matter what happens, the people still prefer Salcra so that it can bring development to their area,” they said.-Borneo Post
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