KANOWIT: A total of 160 Native Customary Right (NCR) landowners whose lands were acquired by the government for road projects here received the sum of RM2.413 million in compensation on Saturday.

Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang presented the cheques in a ceremony held at Kanowit community hall here to those affected by the constructions of Rantau Dilang Road, Nanga Mam Road, Kampung Bedil Road, Menalun Road and access road to SK Batu Luking.

In his speech Aaron said the implementation of the projects was under the National Key Results Areas (NKRA).

“It involved a total of 158.44 acres of land.

“I hope with the implementation of the projects, those in the surrounding areas would take advantage of them to carry out activities that would enhance their socio-economic status,” he said.

He said the projects were to facilitate networking with local residents in other areas.

On the compensation, he said it was not a propaganda or tactic to win the hearts of the people.

“It is a policy implemented to reassure NCR landowners that the government acknowledges their land ownership.

“This policy guarantees the rights of NCR landowners especially those in rural areas,” he said.

Among those present at the function were Sibu Land and Survey Department officer Abdul Aziz Abdul Khadir, acting Kanowit District Officer Ibrahim Kipli and Temenggong Sir Adrian Ringgau.

Aaron also called on the rural people to give their cooperation and support to the leadership of the Barisan Nasional (BN).

“This is important because all forms of development undertaken by the government need the cooperation and support at the grassroots level.

“It would be hard to implement such projects if the people are against it,” he said.

(Source: Borneo Post Online, 9 Jan 2012)