By Yussof J. Imbang
BELURAN: Local residents in Tongod, who have struggled with land ownership problems for an extended period, are finally starting to enjoy the benefits of their harvests following the issuance of 3,700 land grants by the state government since 2008
The current state assemblyman for Kuamut, Datuk Masiung Banah, said that the continuous granting of land to residents was implemented after introducing a policy to oppose the entry of outside companies intending to exploit government reserve land in the area.
“The policy to reject land applications from mega companies prioritises Kuamut residents in obtaining their own land grants,” he emphasised during a meeting with Kuamut residents at the Toniting Hall, Sapi Nagoh Estate, through the Insiparasi Kalaga programme on Monday.
According to the latest records from the Sandakan Land and Survey Department (JTU), over the two-year period starting in 2024, an additional 2,346.73 acres have been surveyed through the Sabah Native Land Measurement Program (PANTAS), and 724 more lots have been designated as village sites in six villages in Tongod.
The six villages involved in the PANTAS measurement are Mangkawagu, Minusuh, Liupampang, Tampasak, Alitang, and Saguon, where the residents have received their respective grants.
Masiung noted that there are over 10,000 acres still undergoing measurement involving several villages, including Penangah, Entilibon, Tongod, and Inarad.
“The PANTAS measurement for the indigenous residents pertains to government reserve land released from protected forests in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department.
“We prioritise more residents obtaining government reserve land and reject the exploitation by outside mega companies that hinder the economic opportunities for the locals,” he asserted.
Since winning the representative seat in 2008, Masiung has introduced a policy to oppose any land applications for government reserve land from private companies, giving priority to Kuamut residents.
