BAU, Nov 27 — Compensation for land acquired totalling RM9.648 million for two government development projects were handed over to 192 Bau residents at the Dewan Redeems Centre, Singai, here today.
A total of RM5.56 million were paid out to 163 residents for Kampung Tanjung Poting, Tanjung Senibong and Tanjung Bowang road upgrade project while another RM4.088 million was paid to 29 more residents for the road project in Kampung Apar.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who presented the cheques to the recipients, said the government could have opted not to acquire the land in Bau but that would mean the projects would have been located quite far away.
“However, these projects are for the community, to facilitate connectivity, electric and water supply, telecommunications, roads and for local area development,” he said.
He said for these projects to take place, the government had to acquire their land.
Regardless of ownership status, he said as long as there is proof that the parcels were native customary land, the residents will be duly compensated, adding that this was in line with the state land code and Federal Constitution.
