KUDAT: Cooperation between Justices of the Peace (JPs) and the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department (JTU) through the National Identification Correction (NIC) program has made it easier for land title holders to correct their names and identity card numbers for free, with amendments completed immediately.
The NIC program is an official outreach initiative by the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department that allows landowners to correct spelling errors in their names or mistakes in their identity card numbers on their land titles.
The service is completely free and is usually processed within a single day during district-level roadshows.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative was important to ensure the accuracy of land ownership records, thereby facilitating related matters, including inheritance claims, land transactions and banking affairs.
“I have served as a JP since 2010. Together with several other JPs, I have also helped verify the relevant documents to enable residents to fulfil the requirements of their applications.
“The document verification services provided by JPs are also free, helping to ease the financial burden on residents compared with using the services of a commissioner for oaths, who charges a fee,” he said while assisting residents at the programme held at Dataran Tomborungus here on Oct 16.
Armizan, who is also Papar MP, said correcting information in land titles was crucial to prevent problems arising from discrepancies in names or identity card numbers, particularly when owners dealt with matters relating to land ownership and administration.
Besides helping to verify documents, he also took the opportunity to interact with residents attending the programme to obtain the services offered.
“I would also like to commend the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department for its efforts in bringing these services directly to the community in Kudat, which will undoubtedly make it easier for residents to obtain assistance with land-related matters.
“At the same time, this on-the-ground approach gives residents easier access to services while strengthening cooperation between government agencies and JPs in assisting the local community,” he said.
