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Approximately 58,000 independent oil palm smallholders in Sarawak are facing significant hurdles in accessing international markets due to land documentation gaps under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This crisis has prompted Works Minister Dato’ Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi to issue an urgent call to the Sarawak government to accelerate the survey and titling of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
In a formal statement, Nanta expressed deep concern following remarks from the Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA) suggesting that the livelihoods of smallholders are under direct threat. The EUDR, scheduled for implementation next year, requires strict proof of legality and traceability. Nanta noted that native communities cultivating NCR land without formal documentation risk being disadvantaged by these stringent trade requirements, despite their legitimate efforts to develop their land and support their families.
Nanta emphasised that the absence of formal land titles should not be allowed to jeopardise rural livelihoods, particularly when favourable palm oil prices offer an opportunity for smallholders to improve their household incomes. He stressed that their efforts deserve appreciation and support rather than being stymied by administrative gaps. The Minister warned that without adequate documentation, smallholders could be excluded from vital supply chains and global markets, even when their activities are not linked to deforestation.
Furthermore, Nanta called for an update on the state’s progress in seeking special consideration from the European Union (EU) regarding NCR land. He backed the stance of Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, regarding cooperation with the federal Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) to pursue exemptions. However, Nanta insisted that seeking an exemption must not delay the resolution of internal land documentation issues.
To bridge the gap, Nanta urged authorities to explore interim measures, such as legally recognised documentation of customary rights, to help smallholders meet compliance standards. He also advocated for closer coordination between state and federal authorities, DOPPA, and industry stakeholders to provide assistance in mapping, geolocation, and traceability. Nanta concluded that land ownership documentation is no longer just an administrative task but a critical factor in safeguarding the economic future of rural communities, warning that delays could lead to substantial economic losses for individual landowners and the state of Sarawak.
Source: DayakDaily