BINTULU – Residents of Sebauh and communities along the Batang Kemena have been urged to retain ownership of their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, as development projects rapidly transform the region.

Sarawak’s Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, said the value of NCR land would continue to appreciate as infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and a new township take shape in the area.

“I want to remind the people of Sebauh and the entire Batang Kemena area, once all these areas are accessible by road, please protect your customary land rights. Never give up your land. Once it is sold, we can never get it back,” he said.

Dr. Rundi made the remarks while officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 Sebauh Festival held at the Sebauh jetty on Sunday. He also serves as the State Assemblyman for Kemena.

He noted that major development initiatives are underway in Sebauh, including the construction of a bridge across Batang Kemena, a new riverfront, and a township on the opposite bank.

Plans are also in place for a direct road link between Sebauh and Bintulu via Sepadok, which would reduce travel time to just 30 minutes.

“All these developments will significantly increase the value of land and benefit the local economy. Therefore, NCR land ownership must be preserved for the sake of future generations.

“Do not lose our priceless heritage just because of short-term offers that may appear profitable,” he added.

Dr. Rundi also called on the community to look out for one another by raising awareness on the long-term value of NCR land, particularly as Sebauh is poised to become a new economic growth hub in Sarawak’s central region.

During the event, he also flagged off the final round of the high-powered speedboat race and presented prizes to the winners.

N69newsflash™

#JagaSarawak #intuSarawak #MFICORD

Instagram : www.instagram.com/stephen.rundi

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@stephen.rundi