Kota Kinabalu: Delays of up to 20 to 30 years in the issuance of land titles are hindering progress among rural communities in Sabah, the State Legislative Assembly was told.
Sook Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said although Sabah has one of the most progressive land policies – allowing villagers to apply for land without needing to purchase it – the slow pace of implementation has significantly undermined its effectiveness.
“Policies may be good and plans may look comprehensive, but without efficient implementation, everything remains on paper,” he said, adding that many applicants, including those whose land has already been surveyed, are still waiting for their grants to be issued.
He noted that the absence of land titles has made it difficult for villagers to secure financing, develop their land, or manage inheritance matters, resulting in long-term socio-economic challenges.
To address the issue, he proposed increasing the number of surveyors and adopting a more facilitative approach in processing applications.
Arthur also highlighted several categories of unresolved land issues, including villages that have yet to be gazetted and settlements located on State or Federal land.
For villages on State land, he urged the government to simplify application processes for eligible residents. For those on Federal land, he suggested that the State Government pursue ownership transfers through mechanisms such as the MA63 implementation committee.
He revealed that 11 applications had been received this year, with four already processed, including one involving Kampung Minawak in his constituency that has been returned to the State.
Other villages cited included Kampung Damai Mingkoto, Kampung Pagar-Pagar and Kampung Misomporo, where residents remain on federal land despite being local inhabitants.
As a representative of a rural constituency, he stressed that bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas must remain a priority.
“Focusing solely on investment and advanced infrastructure without addressing basic needs will marginalise those in remote areas,” he said.
On infrastructure, he said Sabah continues to face high demands despite existing allocations, including federal constitutional provisions for state roads.
He noted that additional funding through rural development programmes has helped, with the Federal Government now relying on state recommendations to prioritise projects.
Among ongoing projects in his constituency are the Sinaron-Tongod road, which is nearing completion, and the Sapulut–Pegalungan-Pensiangan road, currently under construction and expected to link to the Kalimantan border.
However, he called for priority attention to other critical routes, including Jalan Limbayan-Ansip, Jalan Malima–-ohan Jaya, Jalan Bunang Ulu and Jalan Tinagalan, particularly as they serve schools and health clinics.
He also pointed out that poorly upgraded rural roads often contribute to recurring floods due to low elevation and inadequate drainage.
On water supply, Arthur described it as a fundamental need and welcomed the approval of 83 rural water projects in Sabah worth RM4.06 billion by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.
He noted that these projects have been fully handed over to the State Government for implementation.
He said the move reflects strong federal-state cooperation and commended efforts to increase technical manpower, including engineers, while urging faster implementation – especially for projects in Trans Pegalan, Mukim Lanas and Mukim Sapulut.
Arthur also raised concerns over the potential economic impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict, warning that Sabah could face indirect effects in a globalised economy.
He pointed to rising global oil and energy prices, noting that while Sabah currently benefits from subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre compared to RM5.15 in Peninsular Malaysia, the State must be prepared for possible economic shifts.
He added that early warning signs are emerging, including declining tourist bookings and increased caution among investors. Rural communities, particularly small-scale operators such as homestay owners and mountain guides, could be among the hardest hit.
He urged the State Government to prepare contingency plans and provide targeted support to grassroots entrepreneurs.
Arthur concluded by expressing support for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s policy address, describing it as comprehensive and reflective of administrative experience.
However, he emphasised that the success of these plans ultimately depends on effective implementation to ensure inclusive development across Sabah.
