Land Administrators Advised To Utilise Digital Tech, Drone Mapping To Enhance Field Efficiency

PUTRAJAYA, July 30 (Bernama) -- The use of digital technologies such as geospatial, drone mapping, and artificial intelligence (AI) should be leveraged by land administrators to enhance field monitoring efficiency.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasised that the aspects of upholding the rule of law and societal harmony are fundamental in land administration in this country.

"Land use management must be carried out in an orderly, prudent and inclusive manner. The use of digital technologies such as geospatial, drone mapping and AI should be optimised," he said while officiating the summit of the 10th National Land Day 2026 celebration of the Department of the Director General of Federal Lands and Mines (JKPTG) here today.

Also present were the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRES) secretary-general   Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin and JKPTG director-general Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim.

Additionally, Arthur said all parties need to continuously pay attention to the preservation of heritage land, including the Malay Reserve Land in Peninsular Malaysia and Native Customary Rights land in Sabah and Sarawak.

"The federal government and state authorities are always committed to ensuring that heritage land is managed transparently, orderly, and based on the applicable legal framework.

"If there is an urgent need for development in the interest of the public, its implementation must always be carried out in accordance with the law based on fair and just considerations to preserve its rights and historical value," he said.

He said that land is not just a physical space or a development asset, but it is the foundation of national sovereignty, a guarantee of food security, and the main pulse of the economic prosperity of all Malaysians.

"The federal government remains committed to strengthening the national land administration system.

"We aspire to develop modern, transparent, and integrity-based land governance grounded in digitalisation to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery and improve the country's competitiveness on the international stage," he said.

Arthur also expressed appreciation to JKPTG for outlining five Main Commitments as the Resolution for the 10th National Land Day Celebration in 2026 to ensure the momentum of land administration excellence continues and remains sustainable.

It includes strengthening the protection of federal and private land through stricter standard operating procedures (SOP) for encroachment actions and improvements to the Land Acquisition Act 1960 [Act 486].

"I believe the resolution will be a key pillar and a driving force for the direction of the national land administration towards a more organised, robust and progressive future," he added.

-- BERNAMA