Kesedar denies allegations it failed to grant land ownership to settlers

 

The South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) has denied claims it failed to grant land ownership to settlers, saying the process began in 2025 and has been ongoing. Pic courtesy of Kesedar

KOTA BARU: The South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) has denied claims it failed to grant land ownership to settlers, saying the process began in 2025 and has been ongoing.

Its chairman, Datuk Zawawi Othman, said efforts to transfer land ownership began shortly after he assumed the post, following instructions from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the rural and regional development minister.

He said the signing of Form 14A — the official document for land transfer — had been implemented as early as 2025.

"I would like to clarify the claims by a Kelantan assemblyman who recently said that Kesedar had failed to grant land ownership to settlers.

"This is not a new matter. Settlers have been informed of the initiative for over a year," he said, adding that the agency's efforts go beyond land ownership.

Zawawi, who is also Kelantan Umno information chief, said Kesedar is also focusing on the next generation of settlers, including providing housing and improving livelihoods for those in need.

He said a project involving 100 residential lots under the Desa Growth Centre in Sungai Asap (Phase 1) had commenced, with an allocation of nearly RM15 million.

"Another Desa Growth Centre project in Paloh is currently at the tender stage, with an estimated cost of RM10 million," he said.

Zawawi also urged the assemblyman, Wan Rohimi Wan Daud of Pas, to focus on unresolved land ownership issues under the Kelantan government, particularly those involving resettlement schemes which predated the establishment of Kesedar.

He also called on the state government to grant land titles to Felcra participants, especially in areas such as Panggong Lalat and Bukit Tandak.

"It is unfortunate that settlers who worked the land with Felcra assistance are left empty-handed after the land was withdrawn," he said.

Zawawi added that criticisms should be balanced with accountability on all sides, rather than highlighting selective issues.

Yesterday, Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud had said the state government would form a special committee on land under Kesedar after Wan Rohimi had raised the issue of the alleged failure of the agency to grant land ownership to settlers. - NST