PUTRAJAYA: The federal and state governments need to strengthen cooperation, particularly in fast-tracking land approval processes, to ensure development projects are implemented promptly, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that while processes should be expedited, existing procedures must not be compromised and the states’ authority over land matters must be fully respected.
He said these were among issues highlighted at the 82nd National Land Council (MTN) meeting which he chaired.
“The meeting also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that half of the country’s land area remains forested, in line with international aspirations and the objectives of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030,” he said in a Facebook post, Bernama reported.
Anwar said the government will continue to pursue a development agenda that balances human needs with environmental sustainability, in accordance with sustainability principles as a core component of the Madani concept.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the Rural and Regional Development Ministry presented a paper on the proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) to the MTN meeting.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the proposed amendments cover aspects of administration, education and land affairs.
“The amendments aim to ensure more orderly and inclusive land governance, in line with the Madani government’s aspiration to protect the interests of the Orang Asli community without undermining the role and authority of state governments.
“God willing, with the cooperation of all parties, we will continue to strengthen policies that are fair, transparent and focused on the welfare of the people,” added Ahmad Zahid.
In July, the deputy prime minister said the drafting of the amendments, which involve the issue of land ownership for the Orang Asli community, was in its final stages.
Act 134 was last amended in 1967 and revised in 1974.
