The bill was passed on Thursday during the current sitting of the state assembly.

Uggah said the bill would certainly not deprive them of their “Pemakai Menoa” (Territorial Domain) and the “Pulau Galau” (Communal Forest Reserve) which were two integral components of NCR land.

He said this at the “Gawai Ngiling Bidai” (to mark the closing of the Gawai Dayak Festival) organised by the Sarawak Dayak Youth Organisation (Pebedas).

Uggah regretted that the amendment had not been well understood and had been politicised by many quarters including politicians to confuse or to cause anxiety to the community and, thereby, incurring their wrath.

He said the amendments had allowed better recognition of the “Pemakai Menoa ” and the “Pulau Galau” under the law.

“The Pemakai Menoa size limit had now been increased to 1,000 ha and the title granted in perpetuity and free of premium, rent or other charges,” he said.

He added the community would actually own the land and could use them, as opposed to a misconception that they were the owners but could not use them.

“Of course, we will not allow them to be sold off. If the owners concerned want to develop them for oil palm or rubber plantations they should inform the government,” he said.

Uggah said the amendment too proved that the state administration under Abang Johari Tun Openg listened to the people’s concern.

“The amendments took us one and a half years to prepare. It had been a most arduous work involving many community leaders and dayak professionals with many views and input,” he said.