PENAMPANG: A new association dedicated to promoting optimum utilization and preservation of native lands in Sabah has been set up.
Sabah Native Land Owners Association (SANLODA), which was officially launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman here last night, also aims to provide a platform for coordinating the development of native lands throughout the State.
The association chaired by Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun also seeks to be an effective vehicle for studying problems and issues related to the development of native lands, related government policies, and providing a platform for members, land owners and developers to discuss matters pertaining to such lands.
Musa in his speech, said the State Government highly welcomed the setting up of Sanloda and believed it would contribute significantly towards addressing issues related to native land.
He stressed that the government fully appreciated that land matters which are very close to the heart of the people and it will continue to emphasise on implementing the best approach in managing native lands.
“The setting up of this association is timely and in tandem with the government’s effort to strive for a win-win situation with regard to native land issues.
“As a concern and responsible government, we are always prepared to listen to ideas and suggestions including from association such as this,” he said, urging Sanloda members to actively discuss and exchange ideas to find viable measures for addressing land-related issues and forward their recommendations to the government.
He also called on native land owners in Sabah to join the association and contribute towards achieving its noble objectives.