Locals In Sabah, Labuan Face NT Land Transfer Hurdles Over Bumiputera Status Discrepancy

LABUAN, March 7 (Bernama)  -- Locals in Sabah and Labuan who are classified as ‘Malay’ on their birth certificates but not recognised as ‘Bumiputera’ are facing significant challenges in matters involving land transfers, particularly when dealing with Native Title (NT) land.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Romzi Ationg said this issue has affected many individuals, yet it remains unresolved despite its serious implications. 

He believes the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry and requires immediate attention.

“I have heard of numerous cases where individuals, despite being acknowledged as Bumiputera by the Native Court, face rejection from the Sabah Land Department when attempting to transfer NT land as beneficiaries.

“One such case involves a woman born in Labuan (before Labuan became a Federal Territory). Despite having Bumiputera status recognised by the Native Court, her application to the Kuala Penyu Land District Office (in Sabah) was rejected on the grounds that she is classified as Malay (in Labuan) on her birth certificate and does not have Bumiputera Status Certificate, and therefore does not qualify as a Sabah Bumiputera.

“This situation creates unnecessary difficulties for affected individuals, especially when it comes to inheritance and land ownership.

“We hope the government will address these inconsistencies in Bumiputera recognition to prevent further complications for the Malay community in Sabah and Labuan,” he said.

-- BERNAMA