Lease extensions to 99 years

By Izatun Shari
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=nation&file=/2010/12/2/nation/7543012

KUALA LUMPUR: State governments can approve applications for renewal or extension of leasehold land for a period of not more than 99 years unless they require the land for public purposes.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said all state governments had agreed to adhere to the new policy.

“The implementation of this policy would fulfill the needs of the rakyat who are worried about losing their land titles,” he told reporters after chairing the 66th National Land Council meeting here yesterday.

Tackling land matters: Muhyiddin (left) getting ready to chair the 66th National Land Council meeting at Parliament House Wednesday. On his right is Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas. – Bernama

He said the policy, which was decided during the meeting, would be used as a guide with several conditions which include:

> leasehold land under the categories “building”, “industrial” or “agriculture” for which owners can apply at any time to extend their lease and are not bound by the remainder of the lease period;

> applicants are required to make simultaneous applications in order to surrender their land in accordance with Section 197 of the National Land Code and apply for alienation using Form Schedule 1 of the respective State Land Rules and existing rules and procedures under the National Land Code 1965;

> extension of the new lease is not more than 99 years if the land is not required by the government for public purposes;

> it is subject to imposition of relevant fees;

> the new period of the lease is effective from the date of the registration of the new title; and

> it is not contrary to any written laws that are enforced.

Asked about cases of 999 years’ lease being given by some state governments, Muhyiddin said: “This policy has been decided by the National Land Council and must be adhered to by all state governments.”

In 2008, when Perak was led by Pakatan Rakyat, the state government had awarded 999 years’ lease to some new villagers.

On another matter, Muhyiddin denied that the Umno supreme council’s decision to postpone the party elections was a sign of snap polls.

When asked whether the move was to prepare for an early general election, he said: “I never said that. The media can speculate. As far as the party is concerned, it is an appropriate decision.”