KOTA KINABALU: The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Mustapha Sakmud welcomed the federal government’s move to transfer control of several strategic sites in Sarawak to the state, underscoring ongoing efforts to honour MA63.
Mustapha stated that this action demonstrates how the MADANI government interprets MA63 as a living agreement, adapted to current regional development needs and the welfare of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.
He noted that a recent Cabinet Memorandum from the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment recommended returning federal rights over the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) site in Sibu to Sarawak.
The proposal covers four locations—Nanga Tada, Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun, and Nanga Sekuau—totaling 3,655.60 hectares, he explained in a statement.
As part of the arrangement, the Sarawak government will reimburse RM9,985,408.50 to cover land acquisition costs and outstanding land taxes previously managed by the Federal Land Commissioner in Sarawak.
This process, Mustapha said, highlights how MA63 is being advanced in a structured, lawful manner through constructive collaboration between federal and state authorities.
He added that the decision finalizes an earlier resolution by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Council (MTPMA63), which had already facilitated the return of undeveloped federal land parcels to Sarawak for use in line with the state’s development plans.
The Prime Minister’s approach, led by YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has allowed long-pending matters to be addressed progressively while preserving strong intergovernmental relations, he remarked.
This dedication is also evident in tangible outcomes such as the increase of Sabah’s Special Interim Grant from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion annually.
Mustapha expressed confidence that these efforts will continue to reinforce Sabah and Sarawak’s standing within Malaysia, ensuring policies deliver real benefits to their people.
