Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King, said they should not be worried over their rights over their native land acquired by the government as long as their claims were being duly supported by documents or endorsed by local community leaders.

"You ought not be undully alarmed whenever you hear that some lands near your area would be acquired for development," he told residents of several longhouses who converged for a "Ngiling Tikai" ceremony at Rumah Linggi, Sg. Sepadok within Sebauh sub-district last Saturday evening.

His message was read by his special assistant, Teo Ho Ping at the occasion that was organised by the Special Affairs Department Zone 6.

Iban community leader Penghulu Chabi Mangup and Kidurong SPDP Chairman Thomas Ng, Secretary Jacky Chan Jet Hui and several other local leaders were among those who attended the ceremony.

Tiong acknowledged the concerns of the residents around Sungai Sepadok area following the activities of a land development there.

He urged the people to allow for a perimeter survey to be conducted in the area to actually determine whether any of the native lands there were affected by the development plan.

The people should understand that such survey would not in any way affect the rights of the landowners as long as their claims were being properly documented or endorsed.

"The claims should not be as easy as pointing at a land or a tree but must be properly sustantiated with evidentces like confirmation from the Tuai Rumah (longhouse headmen) and community leaders," he said.

At the function, Tiong also pledged to give RM15,000 to Rumah Linggi to allow the longhouse to enjoy 24 hours electricity which he expected could be implemented before the end of this year...END/BP.