New landowners express gratitude for quick approval

RECIPIENTS of land grants under the Temporary Occupation License (TOL) Scheme expressed gratitude and appreciation following the presentation of the deeds by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday with many of them saying that the waiting period was shorter than they had expected.

Morni Taha, who had waited for five years for the grant said that he was quite surprised at the short time it took to approve his landownership. "Five years of waiting was quite long for me but there have been others who have waited longer so I am truly grateful that this time round was faster than usual," he said.

"With His Majesty granting us this land, he is showing us how much he cares for his citizens by providing the convenience and safety of being able to build our own homes," said Morni, before advising others to be patient and not give up hope when waiting for their land grants.

Khoo Boo Wan, who received his land grant for a lot at Kampung Penabai, Mukim Pekan Tutong said that he had waited about 10 years to get ownership on his land.

"It is not as slow as experienced by others. The waiting time is improving and becoming shorter compared to last time, but I think that there is still room for improvement," he said, adding that he was very happy and to have His Majesty presented his land grant to him.

Mother of two Jimpaka Badar said that the wait of seven to eight years was "ok". "It was not as long as others. Some people had to wait for a really long time," she said.

For this, Jimpaka expressed her gratitude towards His Majesty for the generous gift. "I am very happy and proud to have been able to receive this deed from His Majesty," she said.

A previous recipient of the land grant, Mohammad Jefry Tabong, whose house was visited by the monarch said that he too noticed thatthe process (for approval) has been slightly expediated compared to what he had experienced, adding that this is something to be happy about as it is an important matter to those in need.

"My family and I have stayed in this house for more than seven years now and I am still grateful for His Majesty's grant of land to us."

"Its not everyday that His Majesty would come and visit you in your own home so when this opportunity came up, I made absolutely sure that the person who granted me this home would feel welcomed," he added.

Even those who had to go through an extended waiting period expressed delight and satisfaction.

Jumat Hj Lisa, another recipient during yesterday's ceremony said that he was happy and relief that His Majesty finally granted him the land that he had long requested for.

"I've been waiting for the grant for about 20 years now, but thankfully now that I've received the land, I feel truly blessed by Allah (SWT) who had at long last granted me what I've been praying for for years," he said.

The brother of one of the recipients who wish to remain unnamed said that they had been living in the house for 30 years and were very happy to have the land grant awarded to them.

"All of us (family members) have now gathered together to welcome His Majesty to our house and to show how much we appreciate this," he said.

(MJH1 & Amir Noor)

The Brunei Times