PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim has agreed to consider a request for land titles from Kampung Tambisan folks residing on Felda land in Lahad Datu. 

He was informed by Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor that a 400-acre native customary land request had been sent by the village folks for many years. 

“So, the land also involves Felda ownership. I will review it because this has been requested before and raised by heads of state and the state government. 

“Alright, in that case, I agree to hand it back after thorough survey measurements are done by the state government. 

“I will also discuss it with Felda on how to proceed with this,” he said when launching the Felda Carnival in Lahad Datu, today. 

Felda, a federal agency, runs a palm oil plantation in Lahad Datu where Kampung Tambisan is located. 

Anwar stressed his administration’s efforts to end corruption in the country, emphasising fair investigations and trials against offenders.  

Also present at the carnival were Felda chairman Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Sabah Finance Minister Masidi Manjun who represented Hajiji. 

Earlier, the prime minister said the recent civil service pay hike must be followed by better performance.  

He said the government was set to spend approximately RM10 billion on the salary adjustments in 2025, adding that the pay raise was 12 years overdue. 

“It is only fair that with these salary increases, the quality of public service is elevated. 

“I don’t want people waiting for hours anymore. I don’t want our citizens to have to beg for their rights or for services like licences,” he said. 

“Why should people wait for hours for something that can be settled in two days? Why should they have to wait two months for something that should be resolved much faster?” he asked. 

The upcoming salary hike would benefit lower-ranking officials the most and would deal with the inequalities of civil pay structure that often saw better perks being enjoyed by high-ranking officials, he said. – September 12, 2024.