Extracted From Malaysiakini

Defendants to respond in NCR land suit

Tony Thien | Jan 30, 08 2:56pm

The defendants in a case of alleged encroachment into native customary rights (NCR) land in Sarawak are scheduled to submit their case before the Kuching High Court tomorrow.

They comprise the state government, Land and Survey Department head and Lembaga Tabung Haji.

They are being sued by Agi Anak Bungkong, 74, and two others, on their own behalf as well as that of 196 families from 15 longhouses in Sg Selazu, Sg Setulai and Sg Sepadok.

The plaintiffs claim that more than 1,110 ha of land leased out under a provisional lease in Sebauh, Bintulu, constitutes NCR land. In addition to seeking a declaration on the status of the land, they are also claiming general damages.

The hearing started last March before Judge David Wong, with the plaintiffs calling 17 witnesses including two experts on NCR land.

Their case was completed last November, and hearing was adjourned to Jan 31 this year (tomorrow). Two days have been set for the defendants to present their case.