22/09/2011 (Borneo Post) - In an effort to develop the native customary rights (NCR) lands in Sarawak, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pelita Holdings Sdn Bhd (Pelita) and five other major investors, to develop the lands into a new concept of oil palm plantations.

The MoUs were officially signed after getting approvals from the State Task Force Committee. A total new land size of 28,000 hectares would be developed by the investors across Sarawak.

According to Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, who was there to witness the signing ceremony, total land size through the joint venture projects for oil palm plantations had increased from 296,5165 hectares to 324,712 hectares. Also noted was that the number of companies involved had increased from 31 to 36.

The five companies that would develop the NCR land across the state are Cita Global Agro Sdn Bhd (Kuching areas), Sarikei Oil Palm Plantation Sdn Bhd (Sarikei areas), Palmraya Plantation Sdn Bhd (Sibu areas), Millionmore Sdn Bhd (Tatau areas) and Karisma Tradisi Sdn Bhd (Miri areas).

Masing further pointed out that his ministry and other related authorities would help those investors in any way if they face any issues with regards to the development.

“Although some of my people are not specialists in the oil palm industry, we have the social development capability to manage issues. I believe with the accessibility and environment provided, investors will have the confidence to invest further in the state going forward,” he added.

Also attending the signing ceremony was Assistant Minister of Land Development Datuk Francis Harden.

Signing on behalf of Pelita was its chief executive officer Abdullah Chek Sahamat.

Representing the five investing companies were Frederick Bayoi of City Global, Awangku Jinal Abedin of Sarikei Oil Palm, Tiong Chiong Hee of Palmraya Plantation, Loh Tiong Kee of Millionmore and Datuk Mohd Zain Yahya of Karisma Tradisi.

The ceremony ended with exchanging of MoUs between the investors and Pelita as well as a souvenir being presented by Sahamat to Masing as a token of appreciation.