KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The use of digital signatures in the e-Tanah system will be expanded in stages for transactions involving the public, said Datuk Muhammad Yasir Yahya, the Land, Survey, and Geospatial Division Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES).
He said that currently, the digital signatures of land administrators for transactions through the system have already been implemented digitally without using pen and ink.
"Over time, the use of digital signatures will be expanded to transactions carried out by the public. The digitalisation of land administration not only facilitates online transactions but also strengthens the security, integrity, and reliability of title records," he said.
He said this during the Bernama TV talk show programme "Ruang Bicara" titled "Tanah Kita, Tanggungjawab Bersama" (Our Land, Our Shared Responsibility) tonight, which also featured Federal Land and Mines Director-General Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim.
Meanwhile, Mohd Fauzi said that land ownership transfer registration can be completed within a day if all prescribed conditions and documents are met.
"The land must be free from caveats, stamp duties, and all related payments must be settled, and the submitted documents must be complete. After being checked and found to be complete, the transaction can be registered immediately," he said.
He added that the one-day period is calculated from 8 am on the day the documents are submitted until 8 am the following day, and this implementation has been achieved in many states.
Regarding small estates, Mohd Fauzi advised heirs to initiate the distribution process as soon as possible because delays can lead to layered deaths (successive deaths of heirs), an increase in the number of heirs, and family disputes.
"Applications can be made at 33 estate distribution offices nationwide or online through the MyLand portal by submitting documents such as death certificates, copies of heirs' identity cards, and land titles," he added.
In addition, Muhammad Yasir said that government land that appears vacant is not necessarily abandoned, as the land may have been reserved as open spaces, supporting facilities, or for future development.
He stated that through the Federal Land Management Roadmap 2021-2030, Federal land that is not needed yet for immediate development can be optimised through appropriate temporary usage, subject to the approval of the state authority.
The planning for the use of a site can also be reassessed according to demographic changes and current community needs, he said.
"For example, a site originally planned for the construction of a school can be considered for other public uses, such as a hospital, if the needs in that area change," he said.
Mohd Fauzi also urged private landowners to know the location of their properties, check their condition, and install fences or signboards to reduce the risk of encroachment.
"There are owners who for 20 or 50 years do not know the location of their land. When checked, there might already be buildings, factories, or crops on it," he said, adding that any encroachment should be handled prudently and in accordance with the law.
-- BERNAMA