Sarawak Plantation makes goodwill payment to 16 longhouses, to develop 2,300ha of idle NCR land

SIBU (March 2): A total of RM570,732 was handed over Friday as a goodwill payment to 16 longhouses in the Begerik and Bawan areas, located outside the Sarawak Plantation Berhad (SPB) Mukah 3 estate.

SPB Board of Directors representative Philip Matau, in handing over the payment, said it is for the residents to develop 2,300 hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land that had previously been left idle.

“These 16 longhouses requested SPB to develop their NCR land as they do not have the capacity to cultivate it themselves.

“SPB has agreed to this request and will develop the land by planting oil palm,” he said.

He emphasised that this goodwill payment is a sincere gesture from SPB to help improve the living standards of the residents.

“We are not just developing the land but are also committed to supporting the communities around our operational areas. This is the first step in strengthening the relationship between SPB and the local residents.”

SPB is known for frequently providing assistance to the local community, including aid during flood disasters, school programmes, and contributions during festive seasons.

“We always strive to be a good partner to the community here,” Philip added.

With this goodwill payment, SPB has again demonstrated its commitment to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development in the rural areas of Sarawak.

-Agency