FOUR recommendations have been proposed to the Johor Land and Mines Office (PTG) to strengthen governance in land administration processes, particularly in relation to grant replacements and ownership transfers.
Johor Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has advised the state PTG to focus on improving practices, systems and application procedures, investigation methods as well as the issuance of computerised titles.
These involve cases related to the replacement of lost or damaged land grants under Section 168 of the National Land Code 1965 (NLC), and ownership transfers under Section 378 of the same law, the graft busters said in a media statement.
“Among the proposals is the development of comprehensive guidelines for the issuance of replacement grants for those that are lost or damaged.
“We also recommended stricter enforcement and full compliance in the use of the Secured Land Management System (Selamat) developed by the Department of Director-General of Lands and Mines,” said Johor MACC.
The Selamat system − which uses biometric fingerprint scanning to verify applicants and document collection − was proposed to be used fully without any exemptions, to enhance security and traceability in land transactions.
Johor MACC said the third recommendation involved strengthening internal controls for ownership transfers or amendments under Section 378 of the NLC, while the fourth called for continuous training and competency development courses for the PTG officers and staff.
All four recommendations were presented by Johor MACC deputy director (prevention) Sheikh Hamadi Sheikh Abdul Hamid to the Johor PTG, with its deputy director (Development) Dr Mohd Shahrizan Sahid in attendance during a presentation session in Kota Iskandar.
Johor MACC said the proposals stem from a governance investigation paper opened in May last year, which was aimed at identifying weaknesses that could expose land administration processes to corruption, abuse of power or misconduct.
“The recommendations are intended to ensure land administration practices in Johor are more transparent, accountable and consistent, while closing potential gaps that can be exploited for corrupt activities,” it elaborated.
