Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal urged the people here not to rent out or sell the land given to them by the Government.

He said they should take full advantage of the Government’s effort in helping them by making good use of the land to uplift their social and economic wellbeing. 

“The people need to be helped through various approaches, and this is among the Government's efforts in helping the people.

"We want all the beneficiaries to make good use of the land. After this, we will go to other districts to present the land titles that are currently being processed," he said after presenting Native Titles to 339 individuals, here, on Saturday. 

A total of 330 residents of seven areas in the district finally got legal ownership over 1,227.42 acres.

The seven areas are Kirokot, Patau, Sunsuron, Toboh, Lintuhun, Nambayan and Monsorulung.

Shafie said the Government would continue to strive for all eligible individuals to receive their land titles and strictly reminded the recipients not to sell the land. 

“Take good care of the land and keep it for future generations. 

“Sometimes when we rent out land, we can only collect RM5,000 a month, while the rented land can earn up to RM10,000 a month.”  

He said he did not want a rich Chief Minister whose people (in his State) are poor. 

“I do not want to see the people living in distress, so much so sometimes there is not enough to eat," said Shafie.

During the event, Shafie also announced an additional allocation of RM1 million to build the St. Theresa Church and RM20,000 each for two orphanages in Tambunan.

Also present at the event were State Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony, Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and Land and Survey Department Director Datuk Safar Untong.