The Implementation of Land Acquisition Act 1960 and its Negative Impact on the Development of Waqf (Endowment) Land in Malaysia

Abstract

The Land Acquisition Act 1960 has long been used in land acquisition law to take over land by force in Malaysia. This article attempts to identify the extent of implementation of land acquisition by the government based on the Land Acquisition Act 1960; whether it meets and is consistent with the Shariah, particularly involving Muslim waqf land. A few suggestions towards Islamisation of the act have been put forward to improve the Act by taking into account the principles and methods governing the Shariah so that every national development can be done in a more dynamic and comprehensive manner in tandem with modern needs.