Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill passed

KUALA LUMPUR (May 24): The Land Acquisition (Amendment) Bill 2016 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat, Bernama reported today.

The bill to amend the Land Acquisition Act 1960, aimed at improving land acquisition procedures in the country, was debated by 22 Members of Parliament before it was passed, without any changes.

When winding up debate, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the changes were needed especially for infrastructure development to boost the country's competitiveness. The land acquisition procedures also have to be improved as part of the country’s aims of achieving developed nation status.

Wan Junaidi said the amendments included important areas such as underground work like the construction of tunnels, drainage systems and underground infrastructure.

He added that land acquisition for economic development have to meet certain conditions “so that the interests and welfare of the people are not affected”.

For example, in the acquisition of land for underground development, Wan Junaidi said the technical aspects and people’s safety must be considered before a project can be implemented.

"If there is a need for them to vacate their premises temporarily for their safety while the underground project is carried out, compensation will be paid," he said.

As for land acquisition by the government, which are later left idle, the minister said this occurred for certain reasons and that the land could be used for other purposes in the interest of the people.

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