Land for indigenous people: ownership conflicts and government interventions in Kampung Bawong, Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Land ownership among the indigenous is lagging despite their special stature and origins in the country. Their nomadic way of life and settlements in the reserved lands for indigenous are among the key factors which hinder their path towards land ownership. In 2005, government initiates to alienate 50 land parcels with house for the villagers of Kampung Bawong, Sungai Siput, Perak. However, current status reported that only 21 landowners still live on site while the rest are abandoned. In view of this, the present study examines the current issues on property rights and how government is responsible in managing the conflicts. The data was collected from interviews and questionnaires. The study analysed several issues on property rights including idle land, tax arrears, and inheritance property. The study found that government also plays its role in managing the conflicts. Hence, in ensuring a way forward for the ingenious people to continue to own their lands in legal, the government might explore the best practice of land alienation for them which include the aspects of legal and financial resources.