Nelson berucap pada Majlis Makan Malam Pra-Gawai Dayak anjuran SADIA Cawangan Kuching malam Sabtu. KUCHING: Temenggung Nelson Kloni Kanang mencadangkan agar penduduk yang menetap di bandar dan pekan dibenarkan dikebumikan di tanah perkuburan rumah panjang atau kampung asal masing-masing berikutan kos pengebumian yang semakin tinggi di kawasan bandar. Beliau berkata, cadangan itu dimasukkan dalam Adat Iban baharu yang disemak semula oleh Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) melalui peruntukan yang membolehkan masyarakat Iban yang tinggal di bandar mendaftar sebagai ahli rumah panjang atau penduduk kampung bagi melayakkan mereka dikebumikan di tanah perkuburan kawasan berkenaan. “Setelah berdaftar sebagai ahli rumah panjang atau kampung, mereka perlu mematuhi syarat dan peraturan yang dipersetujui. “Ini penting supaya Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) dapat menerima si mati,” katanya ketika berucap pada Majlis Makan Malam Pra-Gawai Dayak anjuran Persatuan Dayak Iban Sarawak (SADIA) Cawangan Kuching di sini, malam Sabtu. Nelson berkata, cadangan MAIS itu kini masih menunggu penelitian Peguam Besar Negeri sebelum mendapat kelulusan Kabinet Sarawak. Menurutnya, tanah perkuburan sedia ada di Kuching dan Siburan kini sama ada telah penuh atau sesak manakala kawasan baharu untuk dijadikan tanah perkuburan semakin terhad. “Kekurangan kawasan perkuburan serta kos yang terlalu tinggi menjadi kebimbangan besar kepada masyarakat Iban dan komuniti Dayak yang menetap di kedua-dua daerah ini. “Sebagai contoh, satu lot tanah perkuburan di Tanah Perkuburan Gereja St Paul, Siol Kandis berharga RM4,000 manakala di Tanah Perkuburan Anglican Prutan, Siburan pula mencecah RM8,000,” katanya.

  Dr Jerip ketika berucap pada Majlis Makan Malam Pra-Gawai 2026 anjuran Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Kampung Batu Gong Lama di Dewan Masyarakat Siburan, malam Sabtu. SIBURAN: Sambutan Pra-Gawai menjadi medium penting dalam mempertahankan warisan budaya Dayak serta memelihara keharmonian masyarakat pelbagai kaum yang menjadi teras kestabilan dan perpaduan di Sarawak. Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan Sarawak (Udara dan Jalan) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil berkata, sambutan Gawai bukan sekadar perayaan tahunan tetapi simbol identiti dan jati diri masyarakat Dayak yang perlu terus dipelihara serta diwarisi generasi muda. “Warisan budaya, bahasa dan pakaian tradisional adalah asas jati diri masyarakat Dayak dan perlu terus dipelihara agar tidak hilang ditelan zaman,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian semasa Majlis Makan Malam Pra-Gawai 2026 anjuran Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) Kampung Batu Gong Lama di Dewan Masyarakat Siburan, malam Sabtu. Dr Jerip yang juga merupakan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Mambong menambah, usaha komuniti menampilkan persembahan kebudayaan lengkap dengan pakaian tradisional, tarian dan adat resam mencerminkan komitmen berterusan dalam memartabatkan identiti etnik di Sarawak. Pada masa yang sama, beliau turut menekankan kepentingan memperkasa bahasa ibunda menerusi sistem pendidikan termasuk pengajaran bahasa Iban di sekolah serta usaha memperkenalkan bahasa Bidayuh mengikut dialek tempatan. Ujarnya, Sarawak kekal menjadi contoh terbaik keharmonian masyarakat berbilang kaum dan agama apabila setiap perayaan diraikan bersama tanpa mengira latar belakang. “Perpaduan adalah asas kepada kestabilan dan kemajuan negeri. Dengan semangat segulai sejalai, kita mampu membina masa depan yang lebih baik untuk semua,” jelas beliau. Sebagai tanda sokongan kepada pembangunan komuniti, Dr Jerip turut mengumumkan peruntukan RM30,000 kepada JKKK Kampung Batu Gong Lama bagi melaksanakan aktiviti kebajikan dan pembangunan penduduk.

Ti sistematik agi nyengkaum nyerenih baru, ngemanah sereta meri kelala atur baru ngambika seruran relevan enggai pemansang pengidup raban bansa diatu Sikie lebuh bejaku ba 'Majlis Penghargaan Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak' ditu kena Hari Tiga. "MAIS tu mesti terus nyadi platform besai dalam pengawa negika adat  ngena chara ngetan, ngemansang  sereta ngerembaika adat asal ba Sarawak," Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai Menteri ba Opis Premier Sarawak KUCHING: Perintah Sarawak majak chakah ngemodenka enggau ngenegapka adat bansa asal ngena chara ti lebih sistematik nyengkaum nyerenih baru, ngemanah sereta meri kelala atur baru ngambika seruran relevan enggai pemansang pengidup raban bansa diatu. Menteri ba Opis Premier Sarawak, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai madahka, aum Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) ti diatur berengkah ari 4 ngagai 6 Mei 2026 nyadi platform beguna endur berandauka isu bekaul enggau adat nyengkaum proses modifikasyen enggau mansik baru adat pupu raban bansa ba nengeri tu. Nitih ke iya, chara nya beguna amat dikena nentuka adat tetap dijaga seraya ulih mansang setipak enggau ubah rama enggau guna komuniti kemaya hari tu. "MAIS tu mesti terus nyadi platform besai dalam pengawa negika adat  ngena chara ngetan, ngemansang  sereta ngerembaika adat asal ba Sarawak," ku iya bepelasarka ripot Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) kena Hari Empat. Sikie madahka pekara nya lebuh bejaku ba 'Majlis Penghargaan Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak ditu, kena Hari Tiga. Nambah nya, iya madahka pengawa nyirika Ahli Majlis ungkup timpuh tiga taun berengkah 1 Mac 2026 ngagai 24 Februari 2029 udah dikemendarka Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MNPG) kena 16 April apin lama setipak enggau pekara ditetapka dalam Ordinan Majlis dat Istiadat Sarawak 1977. Iya mega ngenataika pengaga ati ngagai raban Ahli Majlis ke baru dichiri sereta muji komitmen Ahli Majlis ke dichir baru ba pengawa ngenegapka institusyen adat ba nengeri tu. Berebak enggau tu iya meri terima kasih ngagai Datu Ronnie Edward ti nyau deka nembuka servis nyadi Ketuai MAIS kena 3 Jun pengudah dua penggal nyadi ketuai organisasyen nya. "Sepemanjai iya gawa, mayuh inisiatif udah dipejalaika nyengkaum pengawa kodifikasyen enggau mansik baru adat lalu diatu ba renggat kepenudi ungkup sekeda komuniti besai," ku iya. Entara adat ke udah ba renggat kepenudi, ku iya, nyengkaum Adat Iban 1993 enggau Adat Bidayuh 1994, kelimpah ari mansik baru Adat Kayan enggay Kenyah ti udah disetuju dikenataika ngagai Jabatan Peguam Besar Negeri Sarawak ngambika proses mansik terus dipejalaika. Ngenang silik agi, iya madahka, sekeda pansik bukai baka Adat Bisaya 2004, Adat Nombawang 2004, Adat Kelabit 2008 enggau Adat Penan 2011, agi ba renggat dipansik. Dalam pengawa ngenegapka gunsyen MAIS, seksyen baru ditumbuhka iya nya Seksyen Budaya dan Tradisi dikena nambahka pemereti ati sereta pengaga ngagai adat, budaya enggau sejarah  pupu raban bansa ba Sarawak. Iya nyemetak madahka Perintah Sarawak mega ngemendarka pengawa nambahka elawin enggau perengka guna dikena Ahli Majlis awakka ulih ngangkatka profesionalisme sereta efisyen bejalaika tanggung pengawa. Entara ti udah dikemanahka agi nyengkaum elawin ninting bulan ditikika ngagai RM1,000 enti dibandingka RM500 sebedau tu, kelimpah ari elawin baum sereta perengka guna perubat enggau pakaian rasmi. Iya nyemetak madahka nya ngayanka komitmen ti nadai ngetu dipejalaika Perintah Sarawak dikena nyukung tanggung pengawa MAIS nyadi institusyen beguna ba pengawa nyaga enggau ngemansangka adat asal. Bisi datai ngagai aum nya nyengkaum Sekretari Perintah Sarawak. Jabatan Peguam Besar Sarawak sereta bakih strategik ti bukai ti bebendar nentuka pengawa negapka adat ulih dipejalaika begulai.  

KUCHING (Feb 17): Sarawak’s unity in diversity must continue to be safeguarded to ensure lasting stability and progress, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. In his Chinese New Year message, Awang Tengah said the state’s multi-racial and multi-religious harmony is deeply cherished by all Sarawakians. “Sarawak’s greatest strength lies in its unity in diversity. During festive seasons such as this, we see the true spirit of Sarawak with open houses, mutual respect and genuine friendship across communities. “This unity is the foundation of our stability and continued growth,” he said. In welcoming the Year of the Horse, he expressed hope that Sarawakians would renew their spirit and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Sarawak. He added that the Sarawak government remains committed to sustainable development, expanding economic opportunities and enhancing social well-being for all. “Together, through cooperation and shared vision, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for the next generation,” he said. He also noted that the Horse symbolises energy, resilience and the courage to pursue progress. “May these qualities inspire all of us to work harder, think boldly and move confidently toward greater achievements for ourselves, our families and our beloved state of Sarawak,” he added.

KUCHING (Dec 2): Sarawak’s push for digitalisation is beginning to show significant results, with key strategic sectors – including education, agriculture, infrastructure development, and the economy – recording marked improvements following the implementation of the state’s digital policies. The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) reported Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as saying the introduction of the digital economy has opened opportunities for Sarawakians to grow, broaden access to education, and add value to the state’s resources. In the education sector, he commended Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) for its Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (SRBN) initiative, which has enabled rural schools to access learning beyond the classroom and improve student performance. “We have seen improved academic results at SMK Datuk Temenggong Oyong Lawai Jau in Long San, and its students are now continuing their studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak,” he said at SDEC’s fifth anniversary celebration on Monday night. “They truly appreciate our efforts through SRBN, which has given them access to platforms such as Khan Academy, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This demonstrates the success of the initiative.” Abang Johari said digitalisation has also supported infrastructure development, including the construction of elevated roads that help reduce long-term maintenance costs. He explained that the Public Works Department (JKR) has used computer-based highway and road modelling simulations to determine the best engineering solutions for roads built on soft soil. “As a result, we are constructing elevated roads in Lingga, Kota Samarahan to Sri Aman, and in Baram, Miri, Marudi, Mulu, Long Panai, Long San, and Long Lama up to Limbang – areas with extremely soft soil. These elevated structures will lower maintenance costs in the long run. “Although initial construction costs are higher, long-term maintenance costs will be reduced, and the roads will be more stable. This is one of the achievements of using digital simulation in road development,” he said. The Premier also highlighted the role of digitalisation in transforming the agricultural sector, which has boosted yields, introduced Sarawak to the global stage through innovations such as the KETEQ.AI chip, and supported the production of renewable energy – all of which have contributed to the state’s economic growth.  

KUCHING (Dec 1): The musical theatre production ‘Melanau Legend: Tugau’ was staged from Nov 29-30 at the Balai Budaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) here. The production is a creative work by Zaini Ozea and Glen Walford, directed by Mohd Zohren Sahari Che and featuring talented Sarawakian performers Anding Indrawani, Michelle Lungan, Azam Pitt, Elya Mustaghfirin, Fathullah Basri, and Khaiqal. Rooted in Melanau culture, ‘Tugau’ tells the story of a mysterious man possessing a magical spear, who arrives in the Kingdom of Kuala Pasai and is later named Tugau by the locals. The adaptation of this legendary Melanau tale on the modern stage is a testament that local artistry and cultural heritage remains relevant and must be preserved for future generations. By blending music, dance, ritual and drama, Tugau serves as a vital medium for preserving, introducing, and elevating Melanau heritage for contemporary audiences. Abdullah Saidol (standing, 13th left) accompanied by Noor Seela on his right take a group photo with the cast and production crew. — Photo by Chimon Upon It not only revitalised traditional art forms that are increasingly marginalised, but also provided a platform for education, community cohesion, and strengthening cultural identity in Sarawak. The production aimed to enrich the local performing arts scene and bring ethnic work to the mainstream stage, made possible through a collaboration between the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Sarawak and Persatuan Teater Sanggar Kreatif Kuching. “This initiative by the federal government aims to showcase various cultural works across Malaysia to preserve, maintain, and conserve our cultural and artistic heritage at the state level. “It is also part of our efforts to elevate more work from Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups, in addition to our staging of ‘Kumang Keling’ last month,” said JKKN Sarawak director Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman when met by reporters last night. Noor Seela — Photo by Chimon Upon She noted that Tugau was once staged last year at the national level of Panggung Seni Traditional, and is being restaged this year specifically for Sarawakians. “We hope to further develop cultural arts theatre in Sarawak through collaborations with DBP and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).” Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol emphasised the importance of bringing Sarawak’s heritage to mainstream platforms through the creative arts. “Today we witnessed a performance of a Melanau legend, but I believe there are many more legends from other ethnic groups that could be adapted. However, the efforts of JKKN, together with DBP, will further enrich and cultivate local theatre,” he said. Abdullah Saidol — Photo by Chimon Upon He believed the upcoming Performing Arts Centre would further strengthen artistic activities in Sarawak. “I hope that with the cooperation of all these agencies and the involvement of even more theatre groups — not only Malay theatre groups but also those from other ethnic communities who have their own theatre ensembles that use their own languages we can showcase them as well. It will be great to highlight Sarawak’s rich culture. “Our main agenda is to include the development of the arts to promote Sarawak,” he added. One of the dance performances during the production. — Photo by Chimon Upon  

KUCHING (Oct 9): Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has commended the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions (Mais) for its ongoing efforts to review and codify native laws across the state, including the Adat Bidayuh 1994. Sikie was cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report as saying the continuous review process is essential to ensure that customary laws remain relevant and aligned with modern-day realities. He noted that apart from the Adat Bidayuh 1994, Mais is also working to review and codify other customary laws such as the Adat Iban 1993, Adet Kayan-Kenyah 1994, Lun Bawang Custom 2004, Bisaya Custom 2004, Adet Kelabit 2008, and Adet Penan 2011. “Mais plays a key role in maintaining and codifying indigenous customs throughout Sarawak. The review process is vital to ensure that native laws continue to serve as a bridge between heritage and progress,” he said at the closing of Simposium Adat Bidayuh 2025 at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Multipurpose Hall yesterday evening. Sikie praised the Simposium Adat Bidayuh 2025, themed ‘Preservation and Development of Adat Bidayuh’, for contributing to this broader effort by fostering discussions that strengthen and modernise the Bidayuh community’s centuries-old customs. “Through this symposium, we see how tradition continues to guide modern governance, unity, and justice. It shows that our customs are not static, as they are living systems that can adapt and thrive in changing times,” he said. He expressed hope that continued collaboration among Mais, DBNA, and government agencies would further deepen understanding and appreciation of native customs. “With sustained unity and wisdom, we can ensure that our adat remains a pillar of peace, justice, and shared prosperity,” he added. He also underscored the importance of empowering Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua Kaum (KMKK) to administer customs with fairness, integrity, and understanding, describing them as the “frontline guardians” of cultural order and harmony. Meanwhile, Mais secretary Mackos Sibong said the symposium gathered more than 500 participants from Kuching and Serian divisions, including community leaders, government departments, and DBNA members. He said the discussions covered leadership roles, the revision of Adat Bidayuh 1994, customary land preservation, and legal perspectives within the Native Court system. Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Education) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong.  

MIRI: Pelbagai topik berkaitan adat bumiputera Sarawak termasuk Adat Iban 1993, Adat Bidayuh 1994, Adat Kayan-Kenyah 1994, Adat Bisaya 2004, Adat Penan 2011 serta adat Melanau menjadi antara pengisian utama Seminar Adat Zon Utara 2025 di sini, pada Jumaat. Seminar anjuran Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) selama dua hari itu turut memberi tumpuan kepada aspek pengurusan tanah adat berasaskan Land Code (Amendment) 2018, selain memperkenalkan konsep pembangunan adat natif Sarawak. Program berkenaan bertujuan meningkatkan kefahaman masyarakat terhadap fungsi dan peranan MAIS, di samping menekankan kerelevanan adat dalam kehidupan moden, terutama dalam menghadapi pelbagai cabaran semasa. Majlis penutupan telah disempurnakan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Premier Sarawak, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, dengan kehadiran ratusan peserta yang terdiri daripada pemimpin masyarakat, agensi kerajaan dan wakil komuniti setempat. Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier (Undang-Undang dan Adat Bumiputera), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Premier (Buruh, Imigresen dan Pemantauan Projek), Datuk Gerawat Gala, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Telang Usan, Dato Dennis Ngau, Ketua MAIS, Datu Ronnie Edward, Setiausaha MAIS, Mackos Sibong serta Pegawai Daerah Miri, Siti Rohanie Yusof yang mewakili Residen Bahagian Miri.-EDISI UKAS

KUCHING (Dec 8): The traditional ‘baju kuas’, a distinctive garment of the Iban Balau community form the Sri Aman region, is receiving renewed attention amid concerns over the fading of its specialised embroidery craft. The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts has announced a collaboration with TV Sarawak to produce a documentary highlighting this cultural heritage. Deputy minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan emphasised the garment’s unique value and economic potential. “High-quality baju kuas pieces, especially those intricately embroidered with gold thread, can command prices up to RM3,000,” said the Balai Ringin assemblyman at a a pre-Christmas dinner hosted by Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Kuching on Saturday. He noted that while the ‘marek empang’ or ‘tangu Iban’ is a more widely recognised component of Iban women’s attire, the baju kuas is distinct and less known, warranting greater awareness across Sarawak. Master craftswoman Julia James, 71, one of the few remaining custodians of the skill, explained that the baju kuas is traditionally worn during official ceremonies, rituals, and festivals like Gawai Dayak. However, its popularity has declined sharply over the years, overshadowed by the more common tangu. “The gold-thread embroidery required for baju kuas demands a far higher level of skill and significantly more time to master,” she said, adding that opportunities for the younger generation to inherit the craft have become increasingly limited. With 38 years of experience, Julia’s pieces are highly sought after even by prominent figures, including Tan Sri Datuk Sri Empiang Jabu. Julia’s works have been showcased in various competitions and fashion shows as well. A recent showcase at the 2024 Gawai Dayak ‘Niti Daun’ parade sparked fresh interest, reinforcing concerns that the tradition could disappear without deliberate intervention. In response, Julia and her family, encouraged by Snowdan, are organising the first open workshop dedicated to baju kuas embroidery. The three-day introductory programme at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) from Dec 12 to 14 will focus on hands-on gold-thread techniques, with participants receiving certificates upon completion. This grassroots effort, coupled with the upcoming documentary, aims to safeguard the future of this intricate art form and showcase its cultural and economic significance for a new generation.  

KUCHING (Dec 6): The biography ‘Abang Johari: Sarawak’s First Premier’ is not just a record of leadership but also a testament to the state’s progress and a reflection of the vision, wisdom and dedication guiding the state toward a stronger and more prosperous future. This was highlighted by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar during the launch of the biography at the Dayak Cultural Foundation here. “In documenting the life and leadership of the Right Honourable Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg, we reflect on a journey marked by vision, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to Sarawak’s progress,” he said. “Throughout his tenure, he has strengthened economic strategies, championed digital transformation, and pursued greater autonomy in managing our resources.” The Yang di-Pertua Negeri noted Abang Johari’s commitment to expanding connectivity, uplifting rural communities, and diversifying the economy to build a resilient and modern Sarawak. “His leadership reaches every corner of the state—from Tanjung Datu to Lawas—ensuring no community is left behind. “This people-centred and future-oriented leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations,” he added. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who was also present, expressed his appreciation for Abang Johari’s unwavering commitment. “The Premier continues to forge a legacy built on unity, progress, and the well-being of all Sarawakians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or culture. “This book is a gesture of appreciation from the Dayak community to the Premier for his continuous support and dedication,” he said. Author Prof Dr Michael Leigh in his speech said the biography was driven by a desire to understand what sets the Premier apart from his predecessors. “Answering that challenge has resulted in the book launched today. The analysis and interpretations are fully my own.” The 113-page book highlights the Premier’s leadership, political achievements, and personal integrity. Others present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and Tun Jugah Foundation chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah.

KUCHING (Dec 6): Sarawak’s civil service has surpassed its 2025 digitalisation target, marking a major milestone in the state’s push towards achieving full end-to-end digital government by 2030. Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit (SCSDU) director Datu Grace Huong Siew Hung said the civil service had achieved 59.4 per cent digitalisation as of November, exceeding the 50 per cent benchmark set for 2025. Speaking at the SCSDU Digital Excellence Appreciation Dinner held at The Waterfront Hotel here, she said the achievement reflected disciplined teamwork, strong leadership and close collaboration across ministries and agencies. “When the civil service aligns around a common outcome, progress becomes possible. Surpassing 59 per cent shows that we are ahead of schedule and delivering results that matter to the rakyat,” she said. However, Huong reminded agencies that more than 400 services remain manual and stressed that 2026 must be the year these legacy processes are transformed into digital platforms. The state has identified 1,106 services to be digitalised by 2030. She added that digital readiness among the state workforce continues to improve, supported by large-scale training programmes and upgraded digital infrastructure across government agencies. The appreciation dinner also recognised outstanding contributors through the SCSDU Digital Excellence Awards 2025, honouring agencies and digital leaders who have demonstrated excellence in digital governance, innovation and service transformation.